Abstract
Polyglycolic acid (PGA), a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, has only been produced in small quantities as an extremely expensive, high value-added product because no technology has existed to permit inexpensive mass production. PGA is a novel biodegradable resin that offers high mechanical strength and high gas-barrier performance. To mass-produce high-molecular-weight PGA on an industrial scale, Kureha Corporation has developed a process to obtain large yields of the intermediate glycolide (GL) with high levels of purity. Using the obtained GL, we developed a method to polymerize high-molecular-weight PGA continuously. A commercial production plant is now in operation. Because high-molecular-weight PGA can be produced at a lower cost than previously possible, we have also developed various applications that utilize its characteristics. The use of PGA in shale gas and oil exploration is of interest because PGA can supply ultra-strong and biodegradable materials.
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Acknowledgements
In recognition of our remarkable progress and success in the development of polymer technologies and for the launch of a new PGA business, we have received an award from the Society of Polymer Science of Japan (2011). The work described in the article ‘Development of Mass Production Technology of High-Molecular-Weight Polyglycolic Acid and Its Application as Advanced Biodegradable Material’ was also recognized as an outstanding technology. KUREHA has also received two other awards: the SCEJ Technology Award from The Society of Chemical Engineers of Japan (2011) and the 2011 Best New Product Award Finalist from EDISON AWARDS. Recently, Kureha received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Prize in the Product and Technology Development Category of the 5th Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award for developing an environmental load-reducing, high-performance biodegradable polymer, polyglycolic acid (PGA). These awards are because of the ceaseless efforts and contributions of many individuals in the Kureha Group (KUREHA Corp., Kureha Engineering Co. Ltd, Kureha Special Laboratory Co. Ltd, Kureha Gosen Co. Ltd and Kureha Extron Co. Ltd, KUREHA PGA LLC and KUREHA AMERICA LLC in the United States and KUREHA EUROPE B.V. in The Netherlands). We express our deepest gratitude to all members who have been passionate about the development and commercialization of our new PGA and who have contributed to this success.
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Yamane, K., Sato, H., Ichikawa, Y. et al. Development of an industrial production technology for high-molecular-weight polyglycolic acid. Polym J 46, 769–775 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/pj.2014.69
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pj.2014.69
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