NEC provides biometric authentication solutions, software services for service providers, and large-scale energy storage systems for international markets. Utilizing advanced technologies related to AI and IoT, NEC contributes to solving social issues including the realization of safe, secure, efficient and fair communities.
NeCycle®, a gorgeous and highly-functional cellulose-based biomaterial by NEC
At present, plastic is used widely throughout the world due to its excellent moldability, heat resistance, and ease of mass production. However, plastic is a material derived from petroleum. That is why there are concerns that the fossil resources may run out in the future. Additionally, it has an adverse environmental impact on the natural environment because it is not biodegradable. The ocean plastic waste problem in particular has been garnering attention worldwide.
NEC has had a head start at attempting to tackle these problems with plastic, working on developing alternative materials since the early 2000s. One of NEC’s major accomplishments has been the successful creation of flame retardant and highly durable corn-based polylactic acid, a bioplastic which was starting to see increased use at the time. Polylactic acid is susceptible to heat, but adding natural materials such as kenaf and safe flame-resistant components found in soil has transformed it into a highly functional and durable material, making it possible for the material to be used in components found in cellphones, computers, and fuel dispensers. Since the 2010s, NEC has also been working on developing materials which use inedible plants because of the expected future problems of population increase and food shortages. NEC has been developing original resins made from cellulose which is extracted from wood and straw. The development of materials which have both high bio-based content and high functionality are things which NEC has continued to working on independently. NeCycle®, the highly-functional cellulose-based biomaterial which we will be covering today, is a new material that has been developed as a result of that research. We spoke with the researchers about the details.
A new freely moldable material resembling gorgeous black lacquerware