We have succeeded in establishing new shape control technologies, and developed shape controlled non-spherical particles and internal structure controlled porous particles and hollow particles in addition to preexisting spherical particles.
Non-spherical particles are anisotropic in shape and so the shape possesses many powder characteristics.
Porous, hollow particles have a large void in their structure causing them to weight less than normal particles and also improving their light diffusion and adsorptive characteristics.
Our original shape control technologies have allowed us to succeed in developing biconvex lenticular non-spherical particles.
When using the product as a light diffusion material for optical film applications, better overall light transmittance can be expected than with the spherical particles. The product can also lessen film surface gloss in addition to providing high haze and high light transmittance.
We have succeeded in developing biconvex lenticular particles
| Shape/Dimensions | |||
| Structure | Cross-linked Polymethylmethacrylate | Shape | Biconvex Lenticular |
| Average Particle Diameter | 3~12µm (Sphere conversion diameter) | Average Aspect Ratio | 1.2~1.8 |
*Average particle diameter and average aspect ratio can be adjusted within the ranges noted above.
We have developed uniform particle size non-spherical particles through further testing.
In addition to the anisotropic shape, the particle size is uniform, which we believe will allow us to take even greater advantage of the characteristics of the shape.
In addition to hemispherical and lenticular particles we are also developing more unique shapes.
We have succeeded in developing lenticular particles which control particle size distribution
We have developed uniform particle size hemispherical particles.
When using the product as a light diffusion material for for optical film applications, the diameter is nearly half that of the the spherical particles, making it possible to use it to make thinner layers in coatings while still maintaining optical characteristics.
This can also allow for maintaining the same thickness in the coating layer, but adding an additional functional layer.
Mono-hollow
We have developed mono-hollow particles which have a single opening inside the particle.
These particles are low density, and the difference between the refractive indexes of the opening (air layer) inside the particles and the outer shell provides the particles with light reflection characteristics and diffusion characteristics not possessed by solid particles.
| MBX | Mono-hollow Particles | |||
| Average Particle Diameter (µm) | 3 | 3 | ||
| Additive Amount (% of polycarbonate) | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 |
| Diffusion (%) | 24 | 45 | 40 | 69 |
| Total Light Transmittance (%) | 86.5 | 77.4 | 77.5 | 59.2 |
Mono-hollow Particle Cross Section Photo
Multi-hollow
We have developed multi-hollow particles which have multiple openings inside the particle. These particles are low density, and the difference between the refractive indexes of the opening (air layer) inside the particles and the outer shell provides the particles with light reflection characteristics and diffusion characteristics not possessed by solid particles.
| MBX | Multi-hollow Particles (PMMA Structure) |
SBX | |
| Average Particle Diameter (µm) | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Additive Amount (% of PMMA) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Diffusion (%) | 0 | 90 | 85 |
| Total Light Transmittance (%) | 90.1 | 48.2 | 58.8 |
Multi-hollow Particle Cross Section Photo
Porous
Particles can be made porous and specific surface area can be adjusted.
We can form multiple fine pores on particles to make them porous.
These particles can then be used as adsorbents and lightweight solutions, by taking advantage of the characteristics of the porous material.
Particle diameter and specific surface ratio can be adjusted to suit customer needs.
Core Shell
We can produce core shell particles, which are made up of a core and shell with different compositions.
The core and shell can have different compositions.
We can produce both particles where the refractive index drops from the core of the particle to the shell, and those where the refractive index rises from the core of the particle to the shell.
We believe this will allow us to improve compatibility with base resins and binders and improve light diffusion.
We believe that interface with the base resin will allow for reflected light to be reduced.
