Harima Chemicals Group, Inc.

R&D

R&D Products

Functional Resins

Harima has a long history of developing synthetic resins as organic and polymeric materials with excellent functions, for such products as inks, paints and adhesives. In recent years, we have developed non-aqueous dispersions (NAD) and water-based paint resins that contribute to the reduction of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), as well as organic- inorganic hybrid materials for use in the fields of information equipment and semiconductors. Also, in combination with rosin and fatty acids, core materials of our business, we have continued to develop products that actively contribute to carbon emission mitigation.

Non-Aqueous Dispersion Paint Resins

We have developed paint resins that apply non-aqueous dispersions (NAD) technologies, where polymer particles are evenly dispersed in an organic solvent. Despite efforts to replace organic solvents in paints with water, many issues remain in product performance and application, leading to increased demand for paints that use organic solvents that are less harmful. The use of NAD technologies allows high molecular weight and concentration without increasing viscosity, flexible resin engineering of multiple components with varying properties, as well as increased workability owing to their thixotropic qualities.

Thixotropic qualities in NAD paint resins
Thixotropic qualities in NAD paint resins
Scratch Restoration Coating Agents

There is a growing demand for products that protect surfaces such as displays and the exterior of cars, by minimizing dust deposits as well as scratches and stains from fingerprints, etc. Conventional coating agents form a hard and durable protective layer on the surface, but unfortunately this emphasizes scratches. Through extensive research in surface technology, we were able to combine shape-retaining and malleable components to create scratch restoration coating agents. These agents can be applied on a wide range of substrates such as metals and plastics, and development is underway to use them on cars, to improve surface protection and weather resistance.

Scratch restoration mechanism
Scratch restoration mechanism
Water-based Transfer Release Films

Recent years have seen increased demand for transfer release films used in the manufacturing process of electronic parts, as an essential component in precision molding and film deposition. Harima has developed functional transfer release films that apply resin synthesis technologies cultivated over the years, which align the surface and interface components to improve adhesion to the film substrate, achieve a smooth surface and increase mold releasability. In addition to the more versatile solvent-types, we are also developing water-based types for better safety and eco-friendliness.

Nanoparticle Dispersions

Organic and inorganic materials are incompatible due to their vastly different qualities; however, we can activate characteristics of both through nano-sized dispersions. Metal oxides are widely used as nanoparticles to enhance such properties as high refractive index or weather resistance. For dispersants, we have applied our resin engineering technologies to add functions of dispersibility, binder resin curability and compatibility with other components. Harima’s nanoparticle dispersions boast a high refractive index and transparency, making them ideal candidates for optic films used on displays, etc.

Nanoparticle dispersion mechanism
Nanoparticle dispersion mechanism
Zirconium oxide dispersant
Zirconium oxide dispersant