Research into rubber additives
We develop unique chemicals for rubber originated from hydrazine derivatives and utilize related know-how to enhance many different properties of rubber. These chemicals for rubber are used in a wide variety of rubber industries and contribute to the enhancement of the quality and performance of products. In particular, these products greatly aid the automotive industry in the reduction of its environmental impact.
Features of the research institute
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Development structure
We design the chemical structures of unique novel compounds, organically synthesize these compounds, blend them with rubber materials and assess their basic performance as a rubber material. In this way, we engage in the research and development of chemicals to innovate in the field of automobile tires and other rubber products. Furthermore, we handle production engineering for the global commercialization of the developed products.
Development case studies
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Designing chemical structures for the development of rubber additives
Rubber materials are complicated composites made by combining organic polymer materials with organic or inorganic fillers. Designing a chemical structure that enables an additive to be effective from a starting point where no data is available poses challenges similar to those in the development of pharmaceutical products. In moments like this, your imagination is tested because of difficulty of verifying the chemical reactions that occur within these composites. Today, the design of chemical structure of new drugs is supported by the insight of researchers which they have cultivated over many years and the computational chemistry that enables their theoretical verification. We conduct unique and efficient development activities.
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Characteristics of development of rubber additives
We are engaged in the efficient development of new additives, by introducing equipment that enables evaluation of basic rubber properties from in-house production of rubber test samples. With these evaluation and analysis technologies, we propose the right way to use additives to rubber product manufacturers.
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Global production engineering
To identify industrial applications for developed products, we examine production processes, the safety of chemicals, distribution channels and other factors while discussing issues with the departments involved. This leads to industrialized production. Currently, we have two main factories. One is in Japan (Tokushima Factory) and the other is in India (Otsuka Chemical India Pvt. Ltd.). With these two production hubs, we strive to continue to provide chemicals globally.
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Cooperation with an R&D hub in China
We also cooperate with Otsuka Material Science and Technology (Shanghai) Co, Ltd., a research institute that is our development hub based in Shanghai, China. The institute in China conducts research up to the performance assessment of rubber additives under development (in terms of wear resistance, wet performance, rolling resistance and other attributes) using real tires. It also develops the right applications for helping clients to maximize the potential of rubber additives.