Vol.2 No.2 2009

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Research paper : Study on the PAN carbon-fiber-innovation for modeling a successful R&D management (O. Nakamura et al.)−157−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.2 No.2 (2009) Inspired by this article, he started research on the new carbon fiber (one-dimensional carbon material).In engaging in this research, Dr. Shindo asked himself, “What kind of new uses does the fibrous graphite promise in the future?” and self-answered as follows[7]:(1) Since it has excellent chemical resistance, it is suitable as filter material for acid and alkali(2) Since it has very good heat resistance, it can be used for filtering non-oxidized high-temperature gas(3) Since it has good electric conductivity in addition to heat resistance, it can be used as infrared radiator or vacuum tube filament (Author’s note: although transistors were known at this time, vacuum tubes still dominated).(4) It can be used as filler for synthetic resin(5) Although there is a problem of black color, it can be useful for preventing static electricity in synthetic resin(6) String or fabric form product can be used as ribbons for electric devices(7) It can also be used as fireproofing material.Since the direction of industrial application of PAN carbon fiber was set on mechanical strength, none of the above was put to practice. What is important here is the idea and basic stance of clarifying the objective of research as something useful in society. Although the research theme was set according to Dr. Shindo’s personal interest and enthusiasm, it should be noted that he carefully considered in advance “where in society his own research would be useful.”2.4 Background of technological transfer and researchers’ actions(1) BackgroundThe basic patent for PAN carbon fiber was filed in 1959. This was the year of abolition of the Japanese measuring system (employment of the metric system), start of construction of Tokaido Shinkansen, and start of commercial television stations. In the following 1960s, the primary energy shifted from coal to oil, industrial complexes sprung up along the Pacific coast, and Japan entered the period of rapid economic growth.The “three holy appliances (black-and-white television, washing machine, and refrigerator)” were becoming common in the households, and people were trying to reach the American and European living standards. However, the industrial products of this age were already realized in the U.S. and Europe, and therefore, if the product had function and price suitable for use in Japan, it could be readily sold in Japan. By the latter half of the 1960s, with the opening of free trade, the necessity of strengthening Japan’s industrial technology was felt strongly, and the expectation and interest of industry in the public research institutes rose higher than it was before the World War[11].In this historical turning point, GIRIO underwent a structural change to promote technological transfer to contribute further to the R&D of industrial technology. In April 1967, the management underwent an organizational change along with five other research institutes under the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, and the general affairs division and the research planning management were established.Toray Industries, Inc., which is currently highly successful in the commercialization of PAN carbon fiber, started production of carbon fiber in full force around 1968. This matches the time when GIRIO started technological transfer for carbon fiber to various industries after gaining momentum through this organizational change.(2) Action of the researchersWhile the role of the national research institutes became clear as supporter of development of industry in response to social demand, the researchers started to place importance on actions to carry out their mission, and followed the research management policy of GIRIO. However, their actions were not severely regulated, and Dr. Shindo’s research theme was based on the researcher’s curiosity and sense of mission (what was expected of the national research institutes) with approval of the supervisor. Unlike the present situation where Fig. 2 Newspaper article that provided inspiration for PAN carbon fiber development (used with permission of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun).Overseas Technology Topics: Graphite Felts, etc.A method of creating graphite by heat-treating fibers like rayon to 3000 ºC was developed by the National Carbon Company of the United States. The current prototype has 99.98 % graphite and 0.08 % ash. This product can be made into graphite felt, fabrics, textiles, and strings. Like other graphites, it is resistant to high temperature, does not become oxidized, is not corroded by chemicals, resistant to thermal shock, and the thermal neutron capture cross section is small. It can be used widely as high-temperature stiffener of plastic and refractory materials, heat electric element, grid of vacuum tube, infrared radiator, self-lubricating gasket, lighting filament, and for high-temperature conveyor belt.(Machine Design – April 30, p.32)

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