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Development of Nonwoven Fabric that Selectively Absorbs and Separates Metal Ions

17 Feb '12

2 min read

Through a joint project, the University of Fukui and Kuraray Co., Ltd. have applied advanced fiber-processing technology—specifically, electron beam-induced graft polymerization - to successfully develop a special nonwoven fabric that selectively absorbs and separates metal ions. Building on this success, the University of Fukui and Kuraray are continuing to work together.

Following this achievement, the two parties entered began setting up a metal ion collection business that they hope to quickly launch as a Japan-based industry-university joint project. The two will work together to ensure appropriate materials collaboration for the electron beam-induced graft polymerization.

Having completed what had begun in 2010 as preliminary experiments aimed at facilitating this initiative, in July 2011 Kuraray and the University of Fukui entered into a full-scale joint study and applied for a joint patent.

The new technology will be introduced at booth E-03 by KURARAYKURAFLEX (a wholly owned Kuraray subsidiary) at "nanotech2012," which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from February 15, 2012.

Background of the Development

1. The Hori Office (Professor Teruo Hori) of the Fiber Amenity Engineering Course, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, was studying the application of advanced fiber-processing technology with the aim of improving rare metal collection, a technology for which there is a pressing need.
2. During the course of study, the Hori Office discovered that Kuraray's FELIBENDY nonwoven fabric was particularly appropriate for use in this study, because it is made from fibers with a porous structure developed by applying steam heat. The Hori Office thus entered into joint technological development.

Overview of the New Technology

1. Applying an advanced processing technology called electron beam-induced graft polymerization to fibers enables the fibers to selectively absorb and collect metal ions, including those of rare metals, from solution.

2. The use of FELIBENDY, a nonwoven fabric made from the copolymer EVAL (ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer resin), which reacts readily to electron beam-induced graft polymerization, a process that increases the fabric surface area that comes in contact with the solution, allowed the realization of high-speed processing.

Kuraray Co., Ltd