Tokyo, Oct 13, 2010 (JCN Newswire via COMTEX) -- Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) will expand nanoparticle titanium-oxide production capacity at its fully-owned subsidiary Showa Titanium Co., Ltd., from 180 tons a month at present to 240 tons a month as from June 2011. The product, sold under the trade name of Super-Titania(TM), is used in the production of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC Capacitors).

MLCC Capacitors are used mainly in electronic devices that require small size and light weight, such as PCs and mobile phones, as well as in such digital electric appliances as flat-panel TVs. Reflecting increasing demand for these products, the MLCC market is expected to continue growing at around 10% a year.

Under the circumstances, Showa Titanium will enhance the efficiency of production facilities for Super-Titania for MLCC applications and increase the number of production lines from three to four.

Titanium oxide (TiO2) is used in the production of barium titanate (BaTiO3), which is then used as raw material for dielectric*, one of the basic components of MLCC Capacitors. Furthermore, to produce small and high-capacity MLCC Capacitors, it is necessary to obtain high-purity, fine-particle BaTiO3. While there are two different processes for the production of BaTiO3 (solid-phase and liquid-phase**), fine-particle TiO2 is required for the solid-phase process, which enables low-cost production of BaTiO3 with superior dielectric properties. As Showa Titanium uses the most advanced process control technology, the company can provide Super-Titania in ultra-fine particle sizes, ranging from 15 to 250 nm (1 nm:one-millionth of mm). The product also has high purity, ensuring the production of MLCC Capacitors with smaller size and higher capacity.

In addition to the MLCC application, Super-Titania is used in various fillers and photocatalysts. To meet diversified needs of customers, we will provide high-quality products in a stable manner, establishing our leading position on the market.

* Dielectric: A material which is an electrical insulator, having the capability to store electricity and to discharge electricity instantly. As its dielectric properties improve, dielectric comes to have higher capacity to store electricity.

** Solid-phase and liquid-phase: Processes for the production of fine ceramics, including BaTiO3. In the solid-phase process, materials are mixed, and baked at high temperatures, resulting in synthesis of compounds through chemical reactions. In the liquid-phase process, materials are dissolved in a solution and undergo chemical reactions. Then the materials are baked at low temperatures, and converted into compounds.