## Waste treatment, Recycling

## Environmental Sciences

# Converting Asbestos to Harmless Particles -Human-Innovation Type Technology Transfer-

Keyword: Fundamental research on functional materials by material scientists, Technology transfer based on human ties

○ Mr. Iwao Seo, Director of Technology Licensing Organization, Tokyo University of Science

Organizations Involved

○ Katsuhiro Nishiyama, Professor, Faculty of Systems Engineering,

O Kou Mochizuki, President, Azumi-Seiko Corporation

Mr.Seo

Prof. Nishiyama

President Mochizuki

## 【Abstract】

Many achievements in fundamental study on non-oxide ceramic materials have been produced in Prof. Nishiyama's laboratory at Tokyo University of Science, Suwa. One of these achievements is the development of heat-resistant paints and boards to seal asbestos for the disposal treatment, collaborated with Azumi-Seiko Corp. The technique converting asbestos to harmless particles by using the metallothermic reduction method has been accomplished as a next step.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

Techniques sealing asbestos and converting asbestos harmless particle can be considered to perform the disposal treatment safely.

· Sealing asbestos: To cover the asbestos surface with heat-resistant paints or to press asbestos by heat-resistant boards.

· Converting asbestos to harmless: To convert needle-shape crystals of asbestos to non-needle shape by using the metallothermic reduction method.

## ●Market Impact

The technology development of the heat-resistant pains and boards, which was adopted as “new cooperation” by The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, has been handled for practical use by Azumi-Seiko Corp. Full-dress commercialization is greatly expected.

## ●Social Impact

It is said that about 10 million tons of asbestos were imported to Japan. They were mostly scratched and buried in the underground. The asbestos buried by this method is still a needle-shape crystal and remain possessing the toxicity. The establishment of the technique converting asbestos to harmless particle, which easily works at disposal treatment places, brings safe and secure environments and big social contribution.

## Project Background

President Mochizuki from Azumi-Seiko Corp. visited Prof. Nishiyama's laboratory to seek new business development and had introduction of novel functional materials.

## Funding History

Azumi-Seiko Corp. promotes the collaborated research, supported by the following funding:

·Nagano Tech. Development Support System

“3×3 Industry products trial cost subsidy”

·Small and Medium Enterprise Agency,

“Development for different field in new business”

## I ntellectual property protection

Japanese Patent application : 3

·Dispersion of fine particles for coating PA2005-355410

• Resolution method of silicate minerals PA2006—256245

## Amount of Asbestos

## I mported to Japan

## Change in Imported Asbestos and History of Legal Regulation

Ref: Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency of Japan

## Converting Asbestos

## to Harmless Particle

Asbestos (needle-like crystal)

## Turning point in the Project

The project proved successful on the basis of the vocation of persons in charge in industrial and academic sectors and ties of human.

The trinity of researchers, business persons, and staffs produced good results.

Strategic patent application was necessary.

For more information, contact: Mr. Nobukuni Ogino, Technology Licensing Organization, Tokyo University of Science, Suwa, +81-266-73-2101, ogino_nobukuni@admin.tus.ac.jp