Gifu University Establishes Joint Research Department for Flame Retardant Materials

Setolas Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, President and CEO: Koji Kinoshita, hereinafter "Setolas HD") and the National University Corporation Tokai National Higher Education Organization Gifu University (hereinafter "Gifu University") will establish a joint research department, the "Flame Retardant Materials Joint Research Department," within the Gifu University Advanced Research Institute Gu Composite Research Center on July 1, 2026, and will commence collaborative development of innovative flame retardant materials.

Background and Objectives of Establishment

In recent years, driven by risks of ignition and fire spread in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and fire accidents in aircraft and transport equipment, the global market has strongly demanded systems that balance safety assurance and reduced environmental impact, such as halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) systems. To meet these societal demands, the importance of advanced and quantitative combustion evaluation of flame retardant materials and flame retardant design is rapidly increasing. Kyowa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., a member of the Setolas HD Group, has led the world in product commercialization of magnesium compounds through its proprietary technology, possessing high technical capabilities particularly in the development of magnesium hydroxide, a non-halogen flame retardant with low environmental impact.

In this collaboration, we will integrate Setolas HD's proprietary technologies related to inorganic materials and flame retardants with the specialized knowledge in composite materials and combustion behavior analysis using equipment such as cone calorimeters, accumulated by the Gifu University Advanced Research Institute Gu Composite Research Center.

By analyzing combustion behavior in detail using TG-DTA (Thermogravimetric-Differential Thermal Analysis) and MS (Mass Spectrometry), we will elucidate complex flame retardant mechanisms and obtain design guidelines for novel flame retardants. This will promote research and development of next-generation flame retardants that achieve both superior flame retardant performance and processability compared to conventional products.

Contribution to Human Resource Development

This joint research department aims not only for research and development but also for the development of human resources who will lead the next generation. We will share the integrated knowledge formation process, from combustion and thermal decomposition analysis technology to the construction of flame retardant mechanism models, and foster active human exchange between Gifu University faculty and students, and our young researchers, transcending organizational and disciplinary boundaries. As an industry-academia collaboration hub in highly specialized fields, we will contribute to the development of highly skilled researchers who can accelerate customer-oriented research and development based on societal needs.

Overview of the Joint Research Department

Name

Flame Retardant Materials Joint Research Department

Location

Gifu University Advanced Research Institute Gu Composite Research Center

Period of Establishment

July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028 (2 years)

Research Content

Joint research and human resource education on flame retardant materials. Regarding flame retardant mechanisms, we will conduct combustion behavior analysis (using cone calorimeter, TG-DTA & MS, etc.) to obtain design guidelines for flame retardants and conduct research and development of new flame retardants.

Gifu University

Representative Researcher

Asami Nakai (Director and Professor, Advanced Research Institute Gu Composite Research Center)

Setolas HD

Contact Person

Satoshi Yamaji (Attached to Innovation Center, Full-time Manager)

About Setolas Holdings Co., Ltd.

Company Name

Setolas Holdings Co., Ltd.

Established

August 2022

Representative

Koji Kinoshita, President and CEO

Head Office Location

8-1 Muroyacho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture

Business Activities

Group management, consulting services

[Contact Information for this Matter]

Setolas Holdings Co., Ltd.

Contact: Keiji Yamahara, Innovation Center

E-mail: [email protected]