SUNFINE™ is a brand of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) from Asahi Kasei Corporation.
With its advanced technological capabilities and intense quality control, Asahi Kasei delivers high quality UHMWPE to the whole world.
Features
- Grade design specific to the application
- High quality powder produced with strict foreign matter control measures
- Catalyst technology enables trace metal residues to be very low
PROPERTY
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High whiteness
Achieved using the advanced catalyst technology and maintenance capabilities of its plants.
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Low contamination
Thorough plant maintenance in Japan and appropriate control measures based on years of experience.
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Sophisticated grade design
An optimal lineup based on superior technological strength and experience.
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Advanced catalyst technology
Low metal residue for stable production and rust prevention.
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Highly qualified Technical Support
Our Experts will support the process of SUNFINE™ promptly.
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High-level development
Flexible approaches for the development of next-generation raw materials by professionals.
APPLICATIONS
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Lithium-ion Battery Separator
The high quality, optimized grades of SUNFINE™ improve the functions of lithium-ion battery (LiB) separators and achieve their stable production.
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High-strength Fiber
Developed from Asahi Kasei's experience supplying industry-leading companies, it offers a distinguished high molecular weight grade that helps achieve the functional enhancement of fibers.
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Lead Acid Battery Separator
Asahi Kasei proposes UHMWPE with low contaminants and stable physical properties to help batteries achieve a high level of safety.
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Molding
Asahi Kasei offers several grades suited for molding applications. They contain a low level of foreign matter and have high whiteness. Some grades meet standards for food applications.
OTHER USES
- Sintering
- Membranes
- Filtrations
- Additives
WORKS
The Mizushima Works is a core production base for Asahi Kasei's petrochemical business. Mizushima is in the city of Kurashiki on the coast of Okayama Prefecture, in the Chugoku region in western Japan. The Mizushima Waterfront Industrial Complex is said to be the most efficient and best balanced petrochemical complex in Japan. It performs integrated processes ranging from the breakdown of naphtha to the production of intermediate materials and derivatives.
Asahi Kasei is engaged in the polyethylene business, which includes SUNFINE™, and the manufacturing of acrylonitrile, styrene monomers and many other petrochemicals. The SUNFINE™ technology development team is based at Mizushima. It conducts research and development to continually respond to market needs.
Mizushima Port, adjacent to the works, is one of Japan's leading industrial ports. Steel, petrochemical, automotive and various other businesses are located at or near the port. It is a supply center for ports around the world.
HISTORY
History of SUNFINE™
Asahi Kasei began manufacturing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in 1964 and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in 1970. Asahi Kasei entered the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) business in 1979. Strict plant management, advanced catalyst technologies and outstanding development capabilities enable Asahi Kasei to lead the industry as a high quality UHMWPE manufacturer. Asahi Kasei continues to lead the industry and evolve as a primary UHMWPE supplier.
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1979
Begins commercial production of SUNFINE™. Sells it for molding and additives applications.
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1989
Commences supplying raw materials to the LiB separator market.
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2002
SUNFINE™ surpasses annual sales of 2,000 tons/year.
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2008
Develops SUNFINE™ UH951 and begins supplying raw materials for high-strength fibers.
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2009
Develops SUNFINE™ UH950 and begins supplying raw materials for lead-acid batteries.
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2013
SUNFINE™ surpasses annual sales of 10,000 tons/year.
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2015
Begins supplying raw materials to China's LiB separator market.
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2016
Announces a plan to triple production capacity in five years. Growth continues.
Future
Asahi Kasei will continue to improve SUNFINE™ to become the manufacturer providing the highest quality UHMWPE in the world. Asahi Kasei will continue to strengthen its global supply chain to ensure the timely delivery of high quality UHMWPE raw materials around the world.