Frontier (Outer Space and Oceans)

## Surface treatment, Film formation, Engines

# Commercialization of a high performance spray-type insulation

Keyword: Transfer of Space technology, A matchmaking of technique and demand, Technical assistance by the inventor

## Organizations Involved

Yukio Fukushima (former Senior Engineer), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Tsutomu Katsura, Patent Coordinator, Industrial Collaboration Dept.

O Tatsujiro Ishiko, President-Director, Nisshin Industry Co., Ltd.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Y.Fukushima

T.Katsura

T.Ishiko

【Abstract】 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency plays a main role in space and aeronautical development in Japan and has accumulated cutting-edge technology including its intellectual property. One on them; “Insulation technique developed for a rocket nose cone” has its superiority in light-weight, thermal insulation and glutinosity. After JAXA transferred a patent of this rocket-related technique to Nisshin industry Co., Ltd., a medium-size Japanese company, it successfully developed and commercialized a spray-type insulation named GAINA as a building material which shows prominent insulating effect with 1 or 2 millimeters spread.

## 【Summary of the technology transfer】Technological Impact

This high-performance spray-type insulation; GAINA is based on JAXA's patent technique and shows its insulating effect with 1-2 millimeters spread, which is brought by a hybrid of ceramic performing high thermal reflection and acrylic silicone resin. This product is durable against a thermal range from minus 100 to plus 150 degrees centigrade, and a product durable against 600 degrees centigrade is currently under development. We can say that this product is epoch-making, not only because of its mentioned high performance but also its usability to a curved surface. GAINA will respond to various industrial needs, such as vehicles, facilities, and millions types of parts and components.

## ●Social Impact

This space spin-off insulation has been introduced by various mass media and attracts attention as a breakthrough of insulation material for buildings. Now it is typically used for remodeling of apartments and houses. In addition, its usability by spread-type and well-glutinosity facilitates construction work and then it contributes to improvement in work environment.

## Project Background

## ●Market Impact

This product can be effective for refraining generation of CO $ _{2} $ and “Heat-Island” phenomenon thanks to GAINA’s superior capability in insulation, which shall be expected to contribute to protection of our global environment.

JAXA’s patent coordinator found out a company with sufficient technology to make it commercialize. It was also a key that JAXA engineer assisted the company with its know-how in order to transform space technology into “ground technology”.

## Funding History

No funding had been applied to the company. The high-performance insulation had been commercialized by Nisshin with its self financing; on the other hand, JAXA provided technical assistance for the commercialization.

## I ntellectual property protection

Patent Right : domestic right 4 "lightweight insulting rubber composition" Patent N0.2990534

“lightweight insulting resin composition for coating space instruments/ vehicles”

Patent N0.2819169

## Structure of an insulation for a rocket nose cone

## Top coating

Resin

A house used

"spray-type insulation for buildings" developed by Nisshin industry Co., Ltd.

## Turning point in the Project

O Matchmaking of JAXA’s technology and a company who is technically reliable in manufacturing by a coordinator familiar to industry demand.

Technical assistance by its inventor to a technical transferred manufacture, when a technique was originally developed in behalf of R&D of a research organization.