Sumitomo Chemical to start mass production of ultra-fine alumina at Ehime Works

Sumitomo Chemical has achieved remarkable achievement in pioneering production techniques for ultra-fine α-alumina, with mass production slated to begin in September this year at its Ehime Works. Through technical advancements in inorganic materials, the Company will build new markets in the ICT, energy-saving, and life science domains in collaboration with its clients. In FY2025, the firm hopes to boost sales income in its ultrahigh purity alumina business by 30 per cent over FY2023.

Ultrahigh purity alumina refers to alumina materials produced by calcining aluminium hydroxide at high temperatures to purity levels of 99.99 per cent or more. The latest mass-production goods include the NXA series, which are ultra-fine grade α-alumina materials primarily employed in industrial items. They have homogenous ultrafine particles with particle sizes of 150 nm (0.15 m) or less. In comparison to the Company's goods with rather big particle sizes, this is around one-two-hundredth the size.

As a market leader in ultra-high purity alumina, Sumitomo Chemical offers a comprehensive range of product grades with exceptional quality and stability and the capacity to suit a wide range of client demands. As a result, its alumina products have been employed in various applications, including energy-related industries, such as lithium-ion battery separators and the ICT industry, primarily for LED substrates and semiconductor thermal materials.

The new grades, which have ultrafine particles and are easy to sinter, are expected to be used as polishing agents for next-generation semiconductors, as well as components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment requiring high strength and chemical resistance, and in new fields requiring both high-strength and aesthetic qualities, such as artificial joints and dental products in the life sciences field. Sumitomo Chemical will continue to grow its business in this sector by pursuing technical inorganic innovation and offering clients timely solutions.