Technora black, the strong, flame-retardant para-aramid fibre of Teijin Ltd, has been selected for use in the back panel of the newest Aquos zero, Sharp’s flagship smartphone model. The new model, which weighs just 146g, has a plastic back panel reinforced with Technora black and a frame made of magnesium alloy. It will be the world’s lightest smartphone.

Aramid fibre reinforced plastic is expected to contribute to the development of advanced, extra-high-speed mobile devices due to its light weight, electric insulation and dielectric constant property for minimised electromagnetic interference. Technora black is especially suitable for smartphones thanks to its weather resistance and attractive appearance, in addition to its many core features, according to a media statement by Teijin.

The Technora para-aramid fibre is eight times stronger than steel as well as highly heat-and-shock-resistant, making it an ideal material for broad applications ranging from rope, timing belts, racing car seats and car hoods to spacecraft. It is increasingly being adopted for outdoor use, such as firefighting clothing and yacht sails, owing to its weather-resistance driven from its colour by adding black pigments to Technora in spinning process.

Going forward, Teijin will continue to introduce highly functional materials and solutions in diverse fields, to be a company that supports the society of the future as a long-term vision.

Teijin is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of environmental value, safety, security and disaster mitigation, demographic change and increased health consciousness. Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibres such as aramid, carbon fibers & composites, healthcare, films, resin & plastic processing, polyester fibres, and IT. (PC)