Greetings from the Chairperson

Takeo EBINA, Ph.D.

We first began to research, in earnest, sheets that use clay as their main component, in National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in 2003. We first discovered that a film using bentonite clay, which is produced in abundance in the Tohoku region, Japan, could be used to seal hydrogen at high temperatures, which was not possible using previous materials. Since then, there have been many studies related to raw materials, methods of forming film, methods of processing, and their application. Currently, we are also conducting vigorous development by a large number of R&D institutions and corporations. Since the spread of gaskets that can be used in high temperatures, in 2007, following their contribution to the total abolition in Japan of products containing asbestos, there have been various practical usage cases in addition to gas barrier containers.
Clayteam is an AIST consortium working for the mainstream practical usage of clay nanomaterials, and is also making strides toward the larger goal of manufacturing in contribution to the realization of a sustainable society. The “Megumi manufacturing” we propose is “manufacturing utilizing composition, function, and structure of raw materials, aiming for the realization of a sustainable society,” and, by targeting organic/inorganic/natural/synthetic/mixtures/pure substances, continues to produce high-value added products, based on cooperation through coupling, in which Japan excels. In addition, it has also been evaluated as sustainable manufacturing in the region.
　Clayteam has a methodology expressed as “Integrated Development,” that creates high-added value products. Through information sharing, provision of samples, feasibility studies, technical support, product development, and coordinated activities with multiple institutions, we can incorporate the latest technology, and accumulate knowledge from a wide variety of fields and industrial types, to achieve product development in an accelerated fashion.
　Clayteam is always looking for researchers and corporate players to join its team. Please make enquiries to our office if you are interested.
  Clayteam is positively disclosing information look for new developments in our approach to achieving a sustainable society.



January 2020
Takeo Ebina
Chairman, Clayteam