Tosoh has received the 2024 Society of Polymer Science Technology Award from the Society of Polymer Science, a public interest incorporated association. The technology that won the award is "Adhesion to polyolefins using a new compatibilization technology."

Polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are used in a wide variety of applications due to their advantages such as high chemical resistance and light weight, and account for approximately half of all plastics manufactured in the world. However, due to their chemical properties, they have extremely low adhesive properties, and when combining them with other materials using adhesives, a process is required to chemically treat the surface of the polyolefin to compensate for the adhesiveness, and reducing this process was a challenge. In addition, from the perspective of energy conservation, it was also desirable to reduce the adhesion temperature.

In response to these challenges, we have developed a new adhesive designed based on polyurethane. When this developed product is applied to polyolefin and heat treated, it melts and mixes at the interface between the two components, forming a nail-shaped polyolefin layer that bites into the adhesive layer. This makes it possible to express strong adhesive strength without the need for the conventional surface treatment process of polyolefin. In addition, by appropriately controlling the molecular weight of the polyurethane, we were also able to successfully lower the adhesion temperature.

The Society of Polymer Science, Japan Technology Award is given to individuals or groups that have achieved original and outstanding results in all areas of polymer-related technology. Encouraged by receiving this Society of Polymer Science, Japan Technology Award, we will continue to pursue research and development with the aim of contributing to a sustainable society.