Kuraray has completed the expansion of its 1,9-Nonanediamine production capacity to 1,700 tons per year. This material is one of the primary materials used in manufacturing the heat-resistant polyamide resin GENESTAR, and, with the completion of this project, Kuraray's GENESTAR manufacturing system (with a capacity of 3,000 tons per year of neat polymer) is complete.
Kuraray was first in the world to industrialize the proprietary monomer 1,9-Nonanediamine (in which the carbon number is 9), and GENESTAR is a polyamide resin (Polyamide 9T) that is made using this monomer. GENESTAR is a semi-aromatic polyamide with a unique molecular structure that combines an aromatic ring with a higher aliphatic chain. It has excellent heat resistance, low water absorbency, low friction coefficient, and chemical resistance.
In recent years, surface-mount technology (SMT) has become increasingly used in the electrical and electronic parts field. Demand for GENESTAR has flourished because its resistance to high temperatures makes it suitable for use with lead-free solder especially in card connector applications for mobile telephones, personal computers, and smart media. In the future, GENESTAR will be also used in the automotive industry for bearing retainers in engine compartments and various types of gear, as well as in other fields where a highly heat resistant and low friction coefficient material is needed.
Capacity | 1,700 tons per year (+500ton expansion project completed in July 2004 at an investment of ¥800 million) |
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Location of facilities | Kuraray's Kashima Plant (Oaza Higashi Wada 36, Kamisu-machi, Kashima-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan) |
Capacity | 3,000 tons per year of neat polymer base |
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Location of facilities | Kuraray Saijo Co., Ltd. (892 Tsuitachi, Saijo, Ehime Prefecture) |