#Japan #Osaka #DURAST #Daicel Corporation #Maia Co.

Daicel Revolutionizes Lubricants with DURAST® POM Fine Powder

In a groundbreaking announcement, Daicel Corporation's High Performance Polymers (HPPs) Strategic Business Unit has revealed a significant innovation in lubrication technology. The newly developed DURAST® POM fine powder has been integrated into a stick-form lubricant by the Japanese company Maia Co. Ltd., marking a pivotal shift in how lubricants are utilized in various maintenance operations.

The Challenges of Traditional Lubricants

Historically, the conventional liquid lubricants have faced challenges such as dripping, splattering, and excessive waste due to over-application. These issues not only create messes but also complicate maintenance processes across different industries. With the advent of DURAST® POM fine powder, Daicel aims to address and resolve these longstanding problems.

The Innovation of Stick-Form Lubricant

Maia Co. Ltd.'s unique manufacturing technique, branded as Sol - Mid™ technology, allows for the creation of this innovative stick-shaped lubricant. This versatile product can also be molded into various custom shapes to cater to specific customer requirements. By skillfully merging ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) with grease, DURAST® POM serves as a vital interlayer that enhances the compatibility and performance of the lubricant.

The stick format presents multiple advantages over traditional liquid lubricants. It eliminates leakage risks commonly associated with liquids, significantly improves portability, and eases application, especially in maintenance tasks involving office equipment and industrial machinery. Notably, users may see a reduction in conventional oil usage by up to 80%, showcasing the efficiency of this innovative solution.

Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges

The development of DURAST® POM fine powder was not without hurdles. Previous methods for processing general-purpose resins into uniform powders posed significant challenges, chiefly due to the difficulties of achieving consistent particle size and shape. Daicel's R&D teams tackled these issues head-on, creating a proprietary manufacturing process that results in a uniquely shaped powder with precise, fine, and sharply defined particle size distribution.

This advancement not only underlines Daicel's commitment to innovation but also highlights the potential for widespread adoption in maintenance applications for major office equipment manufacturers and various industrial sectors. These include areas like industrial machinery repair, bicycle maintenance, and conveyor systems, all of which can benefit immensely from this new lubricant format.

Full-Scale Commercialization Plans

Looking ahead, the commercialization of the DURAST® POM stick lubricant is on the horizon. Daicel aims to roll out this product extensively, targeting key maintenance applications across multiple industries. The innovative approach presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers and maintenance providers to enhance their operational efficiency while minimizing waste and costs.

For those interested in exploring this technological advancement further, comprehensive details are available on Daicel's High Performance Polymers website.

About Daicel Corporation

Daicel Corporation is recognized as a global leader in engineering plastics, notably their high-performance polymers division. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Daicel continues to pioneer advancements in various industrial applications, striving to meet and exceed the evolving needs of its customers.

DURAST® is a registered trademark of Daicel Corporation, securing its position as a symbol of reliability and performance across markets.