Powder technology plays an important role in manufacturing of dairy necessities which enrich daily life and high functional composite materials which support advanced science and technology. As the technological innovation advances, requirements for powder materials have become increasingly sophisticated and diversified in recent years. It is thus no exaggeration to say that powder technology becomes the basis of all science and technology, since it is the only and unique field of academic discipline that studies the characteristics of powder and its efficient handling methodology. In this article, several applications of powder technology will be introduced to convey the attraction of powder technology especially to the university students.

As the demand for larger batteries increases, the development of safe and high energy density secondary batteries is required. The prime candidate is an all-solid-state battery using a sulfide-based solid electrolyte. This paper outlines the basic contents of R&D of all-solid-state batteries, such as classification of all-solid-state batteries, structure of bulk-type all-solid-state batteries, conductivity measurements of solid electrolytes, and calculation of theoretical capacity of electrode active materials. In addition, the research trends of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, which are currently the mainstream, and all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries, which are expected as next-generation high-capacity all-solid-state batteries, are introduced.

Cesium tungsten oxide (Cs_0.32WO₃) nanoparticles are widely applied to solar control films on windows of automobiles and buildings due to their remarkable near-infrared (NIR) light absorption property. In this review, the presence of tungsten deficiency in Cs_0.32WO₃ nanoparticles through the rapid quenching process of the spray pyrolysis method is demonstrated for the first time. Notably, the relation between tungsten deficiency in tungsten bronze crystals and NIR-absorption properties was clarified in detail. In addition, Cs_0.32WO₃ nanoparticles produced through the spray pyrolysis method exhibited the improvement of photochromic stability.

For many applications, the fineness and the shape of the particle size distribution of the powders used as raw materials have an important influence on the properties of the final products. Therefore, air classification utilising deflector wheel classifiers has been state of the art in powder processing for many decades. However, the micro processes taking place inside these machines are still not fully revealed and remain subject to further investigations. In practice, three main trends can be observed today: tendency to finer powders, the need for tailored particle size distributions in order to ensure quality requirements, and the focus on the reduction of the specific energy consumption of air classification processes, which is especially important in the production of commodities.

In this work, we present findings from our study of the Flexomix^TM—a continuous, vertical agglomerator. We show that the final product requirements can be realized by a systematic tuning of process settings. Furthermore, a comparison is made between two different scale-up rules—the constant tip speed and constant Froude number. Qualitative information on the powder flow pattern inside the mixing chamber of the Flexomix^TM was obtained using high speed imaging, while a quantification of the residence time was achieved via tracer experiments. The results presented are anticipated to open the gateway to further applications, investigations and trials on the Flexomix^TM agglomeration system.

In recent years, for the purpose of bulk reduction to improve the handleability of fine powder (talc, carbon black) and performance in the post-process, many users are considering introduction of roller compactor and their inquiries are increasing. In 2013, after introducing a roller compactor from our Hosokawa Alpine Compaction, we developed a “shear-type briquette machine”, to produce compacts with high-strength. Our roller compactor can be tested at two locations: “Hosokawa Alpine Compaction (Leingarten, Germany)” and “Hosokawa Micron (Japan)”. We are scaling up to a large machine based on our test data etc. This report summarizes the outline, principle, and structure of our roller compactor, and the features and application examples of the shearing briquette.

Jet mill is very well-known particle size reduction method in dry process. Mechanism of jet mill is very simple and does not use any mechanical grinding. Therefore, this method is suitable for the applications that require lower contamination rate. So far various types of jet mill have been developed. However, one of the bottlenecks of this technology is mainly energy cost. Jet mill usually uses the compressor air and it is expensive to produce the compressed air. In this paper, hot gas jet mill is introduced in order to increase the grinding efficiency, i.e. to reduce the energy cost per product.

The article reviews the additive manufacturing method of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) with metal ­powders to identify the high demands on particle size and shape for SLM metal powders. During production the raw powder from a gas atomization system needs to de-dust to improve the flowability and the top-cut has to be defined precisely. It is described how both tasks can be achieved with a 3-fractions-classifier in a single processing step. Thanks to the fine adjustable cut points of both classifying steps, the available raw material from the atomization process can be used in an optimum manner and a final sieving step is dispensable.

Particle size distribution is one of the most important physical properties in powder processing. Generally, a product produced in a powder process is sampled a little at regular intervals and measured by a particle size distribution measuring device installed in another room. However, in recent years, an online particle size ­distribution measuring device has been demanded from the expectation of advanced production management, IoT and labor saving. This paper introduces the system that uses our online particle size analyzer Optisizer^® series. What should be noted in the online measurement of particle size distribution, feedback control and ­application to remote monitoring system are described.

It has been known that “loss of hair follicle stem cells due to aging” is one of the factor of thinning hair. In recent years, it became clear that the reduction of a special type collagen (type 17 collagen: COL17) present in the vicinity of hair follicle stem cells was largely involved in the mechanism. However, because it is difficult to directly ingest COL17 by applying hair restorer or taking supplement, it is necessary to promote the production of COL17 in hair follicle stem cells and nearby cell groups. The problems are permeability and delivery of components into cells.

We have developed poly-lactide-co-glycolide acid nanoparticles (PLGA NP) as a DDS carrier and reported that skin permeability and sustainability of the effect and intracellular of ingredient encapsulated could be enhanced.

In this paper, we report the effectiveness of chlorogenic acid encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles that have effects of promoting the production of COL17 and the activation of hair follicle stem cells.

The VBL-F series, which is a wet sieving device for water, has been well received for use in process and production management, detection of minute amounts of coarse particles, and sieving of fine powders.

At the end of last year, we introduced the VBL-FS as new product, which is a wet sieving system compatible with organic solvents.

The drive part has explosion-proof construction without electric component. Main applications are inks, battery materials, water-soluble materials, foods, etc.

Our company’s latest cosmetic series “ExquiRoutine” is now available. This is the third brand after our “NanoImpact (haircare)” and “NanoCrysphere (skincare)” series. As in the previous brands, it has a series of skincare products containing “PLGA nanocapsule” based on our nano-­technology, which are expected to ­provide high usability and effectiveness.

Since the aim of the series is to expand the market in Asia, especially in China, we have been developing products in cooperation with our China sales partner, Shanghai Medusa Sumeragi Commerce & Trade Co., Ltd. We developed the formula with help of many volunteers from different areas in China, where the temperature and humidity vary greatly, to create the products which can help many women with skin problems. As the first items in this series, we introduce two products, “ExquiRoutine^TM Lotion RAIII” and “ExquiRoutine^TM Lotion Mask RAII”. These two products belong to the mainline, “RedAdvantage”, and are for women in their 20s and 30s who start noticing signs of aging.

The powder processing system division is mainly responsible for manufacturing and sales of the powder processing equipment. The powder processing equipment is a device related to overall powder processes such as grinding, classifying, mixing, particle design, drying, granulation, transportation, feed and discharge, filling weighing, and measurement, and has a wide product lineup.

In addition to the powder processing equipment, we also provide environmental dust collectors to prevent air pollution, improve the working environment, and air conditioners to protect the workers from the specified chemical substances. We realize total engineering from production equipment to environmental equipment.

We not only provide single equipment but also propose an optimal system that combines various equipment by engineering of it according to the customer’s request, and improve the value of product, quality and production capacity and we work with the goal of customers satisfaction. This division is composed of three departments: sales department, engineering department, and production department, and it consistently handles everything from the planning of projects related to powder processes for the design, production, sales, installation and supervising for start-up.

After sales Division is engaged in sales and repair of parts, alteration of machinery and system improvements in order to solve the issues about powder processing. Our main purpose is to provide the best solution to develop a trust relationship with the clients by increasing the number of alterations tailored to customer specifications. Our domestic branches are located in Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Shimonoseki and also, the overseas branch is located in Thailand for following-up of Southeast Asian clients. Experienced engineers provide a fast response to enquiries and deliver skilled reliable repairs and maintenance services for a single piece of equipment or your full process line.

Our Toll Processing business responds to customer’s specific production needs under strict quality control, based on various experiences and know-how in powder processing technologies that Hosokawa Micron Corporation has cultivated for over 100 years.

Our business mission is to support our customers’ business opportunities with a variety of powder processing, such as small-scale test process for research and development, bridging production process until the start of equipment operation, and mass production process that replaces production lines.

Material Business Division possesses advanced PLGA (Poly-Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) nanoparticle technologies having DDS (Drug Delivery System) characteristics. The PLGA nanoparticles proposed and provided by us have already been applied to not only drug formulation but also cosmetics, quasi-drugs, medical devices such as stent and balloon catheters. In 2004, we launched to sell both a functional skincare cosmetic brand “NanoCrysphere^®” and a haircare brand “NanoImpact^®” with the PLGA nanoparticles. Currently, we are also promoting ODM productions and sales for various types of unique cosmetics such as powdery serum and eyelash serum, etc., utilizing our PLGA nanoparticle technologies.

Hosokawa Micron Cosmetics released the latest version of the hair restorer NanoImpact^® series, “Co17” in July, 2019. Currently, we are developing TV commercials and Internet advertisements nationwide, and succeeding in cultivating a new customer base with the increasing number of female customers. In addition, by renewing the product, customer satisfaction is also improving, and the percentage of customers who continue to use our products is increasing.

In the cosmetics business, sales of “Eyelash Serum”, which we have been developing since fiscal year 2018, have been strong. We have also begun new sales promotion activities, such as developing online advertising on powdery moisturizer “Powderly Moist Plus”. In Web advertisements, we use Facebook, Instagram, and other SNS to disseminate information and implement measures for the customers to become our fans. As a result of these measures, the percentage of customers via Web has increased (280% compared to last year). We expect further growth in the cosmetics business in the future.

Under the influence of the new virus worldwide, there is concern of decline in consumers’ willingness to purchase, and we will continue to carry out efficient sales promotion activities by leveraging the strength of mail-order sales that can be purchased at home. With it as our corporate motto that we will improve the quality of life (QOL) of everyone’s social life by providing products that utilize the world-class nanoparticle technology of the Hosokawa Micron Group to general consumers, we will continue to study and work on a daily basis.

Hosokawa Micron has been importing and selling powder coating machines using environmentally friendly “Powder coatings” since 1979 from German company “Wagner”. In 1997, Hosokawa Micron Wagner was established as a joint venture company with Wagner. Powder coating is not only safe because it does not use solvents, but it is also a highly promising coating field where over sprayed paint (unpainted) can be recycled.

Hosokawa Micron Korea (HMK) located in Seoul was established in 1996 as a representative of Hosokawa Micron Group and currently has 10 employees. Most of them are technical staff mainly working for equipment sales throughout South Korea handling the products for the entire Hosokawa Group for powder processing of advanced materials like the booming secondary batteries. HMK is currently introducing the teleworking ­making use of the Internet to improve work efficiency to cope with the COVID-19 problems. By adapting quickly to the rapidly changing global circumstances, HMK intends to make continuous efforts in order to establish a firm position in the Korean powder equipment industry and contribute to the development of the Korean powder industry.