Particle charging is a typical underlying phenomenon in powder-handling processes. Charged particles rapidly deposit and accumulate on the surface, resulting in a loss of operability and productivity. The particles can be effectively removed from the surfaces using external electric fields because the electrostatic forces allow the particles to move spontaneously with or without fluid. In addition, because of its applicability to vacuum conditions, electrostatic technology has attracted attention in different fields, such as space development, in addition to powder handling under atmospheric pressure, for example, transportation, separation, and classification. This paper presents a review of the induction charging of particles in electric fields and the behavior of charged particles, including agglomeration and levitation from the particle layers. Furthermore, new applications of both the feeding and mixing of continuously dispersed charged particles are introduced. A particle-handling method based on photoemission through ultraviolet irradiation is proposed.

We developed a general method for computing the motions of hydrodynamically interacting particles in various host fluids such as colloidal dispersions. The method follows the standard procedure for performing direct numerical simulations (DNS) of particulate systems, where the Navier–Stokes equation is solved consistently with the motion of the rigid particles, which defines the temporal boundary conditions to be satisfied by the fluid motion. The smoothed profile (SP) method, where the sharp boundaries between solid particles and the host fluid are replaced with a smooth profile function with a finite thickness, provides an efficient numerical scheme for coupling the continuum fluid mechanics with the dispersed moving particles. In this short article, the high degree of versatility of the SP method is demonstrated by introducing several successful examples.

Soft colloidal crystals are ordered arrays composed of colloidal particles suspended in a solvent at a certain interparticle distance. Practical applications of soft colloidal crystals require the controlled formation with desired periodicity. However, the physical factors determining the order–disorder transitions of colloidal dispersions have not yet been clarified, and accordingly the prediction of the resultant periodicity has been a challenge. In this article, we introduce the findings through our Brownian dynamics simulations of the order formation of electrostatically stabilized colloidal particles. The important conclusions we drew are as follows: (1) A colloidal crystal is found to form only if a controlling factor, the “average force” acting between particles, exceeds a limiting value that is common to various ionic strengths; (2) A general concept extended from the Alder transition is proposed to give a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the “average force”, with which the controlling factor and resultant ordered structure can be predicted a priori for any combination of temperature, ionic strength and particle size, as long as the interaction potential between particles is known; (3) The concept is applicable to both 2D and 3D soft colloidal crystals, which indicates the universality of the order formation.

CO₂ reduction by using biomass and recycling of waste plastic are urgent issues. In this paper, we investigated new pretreatment processes that convert biomass and waste plastic into high quality solid fuels that are easy to handle. First, it was shown that the pyrolysis of biomass with a metal compound can be produced to a valuable solid fuel dechlorinated and easy grindability. We proposed a new process, evaluated the energy and cost under the optimum conditions (NaOH 7 wt% added, 500°C), and clarified that it was an excellent process. Next, we established a method of adding pulverized coal to mixed waste plastic and heat-treating it at 340°C to produce a granular non-fused solid with excellent grindability, combustion characteristics, and safety. Thus, we have established two methods for regenerating wastes that is difficult to crush or handle as a high-quality solid raw material with easy handling.

Nanoparticle technology involving nano DDS (drug delivery system) has shown remarkable progress in the life science and pharmaceutical fields. We are conducting the contract research based on customer requirements to prepare and offer the new PLGA (poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)) nanoparticles for applying it to several medicinal preparation and many functional cosmetics. In this report, we introduce some of these examples.

Particulate and surfactant systems are an integral part, either in processing or product lines, in essentially every major industry, including Energy and Minerals, Pharmaceutical, Agriculture & Food, Microelectronics, Healthcare, Cosmetics, Consumer Products, and Analytical Instrumentation & Services. In most applications, surface properties and suspension behavior govern the product and process specifications and depend on the synergistic or competitive interactions between the particles and reagent schemes. The primary goal of our research efforts has been to generate the knowledge and technology platforms for industry to develop innovative and greener and more sustainable products and processes. Control of the physicochemical/mechanical properties of surfaces, particles, and self-assembling surfactant systems is attempted to engineer or enhance their performance in industrial applications. Specifically, understanding and control of nano and atomic scale forces between particles, and synthesis of functionalized particles form the foundation for targeted contributions in biomedical, homeland security, defense, advanced materials, sensor, and coating technologies. A synopsis of select projects is presented in this brief review. Additional details can be found in the topic-specific references listed at the end of this manuscript.

Deagglomeration is here defined as the operation of dispersing or unraveling the agglomerates without changing the primary particle size. In the case that powder is synthesized by the solid-phase reaction, it is necessary to de-agglomerate the agglomerates to primary particles in some cases. In this paper, deagglomeration machines are introduced. In addition, the recent deagglomeration technology of ceramic powders for capacitors and cathode materials of secondary battery are also introduced as examples of deagglomeration.

In recent years, there has been an increasing need for containment equipment of production systems in the pharmaceutical industry. The background is that the number of new drugs developed for cancer diseases and the demand for them is expanding due to the aging of the population. Therefore, an increasing number of companies are setting up facilities for manufacturing highly pharmacologically active drug substances such as anticancer drugs, and regard them as one of the pillars of their business. This way, each company is focusing on expanding production facilities. However, as the handling of highly pharmacologically active drugs increases, cross-contamination (effect on product quality due to contamination with other products), health problems (exposure to workers), and environmental pollution have become issues. For these reasons, a containment technique is required as a measure to prevent powders (hazard substances) having high pharmacological activity from scattering and floating. At our company, there are many inquiries about isolators and booths. In this report, we will summarize the “management classification of hazardous substances and applicable equipment” and “types of containment equipment” and introduce the containment technology in the pharmaceutical market.

Wet sieve analyzer VIBLETTE^® (model VBL-F) was developed as a dedicated wet sieve analyzer using water. Sieving is still used for quality control because unless the sieve breaks, sieving has been the only way to guarantee the quality of products. However, powders that cannot be sufficiently sieved with water due to water solubility or water repellency require the use of organic solvent dispersion for evaluation. To meet these needs, we introduce the newly developed solvent correspondence wet sieve analyzer VIBLETTE (model VBL-FS).

The shift to EVs in automobiles has begun and EVs are being released by various companies, and the carbon dioxide reduction target of various governments has resulted in expanding investment in battery manufacturing equipment. Meanwhile requirements are changing to further reduce the cost of battery manufacturing. Hosokawa Micron manufactures equipment used in the production of cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, and this paper introduces the current efforts for positive electrode materials.

Regarding the relationship between powder adhesion and flow velocity, when the flow velocity is low, low-speed adhesion occurs due to the small force to peel off the adhesion, and when the flow velocity is high, high-speed adhesion occurs due to the large adhesion force such as electrostatic force.

In this report, we examined the effect on the relationship between powder adhesion and flow velocity when the physical properties of the powder change, using fine powder on the order of several μm to nm, for which needs have been increasing in recent years. In addition, I examined by experiments how much the flow velocity was specifically appropriate for each powder.

Skincare has attracted public attention increasingly because of the increase in time spent at home due to refraining from going out and skin irritation caused by wearing masks for long periods. Attention is being paid to the next generation of skincare derived from regenerative medicine technologies to provide “curative therapy” for long-standing skin conditions such as wrinkles and blemishes. The raw materials for such cosmetics include eggshell membranes and human stem cell conditioned media. Because of the complexity of their constituents and their large molecular size, the problem with transdermal drugs is that they can’t penetrate sufficiently through the stratum corneum barrier, the first barrier to skin penetration, to the target site.

We have shown that poly-lactide-co-glycolide acid nanoparticles (PLGA NP) have skin permeability, the prolonged action of nanoparticle-encapsulated contents by sustained release effect of PLGA base, and cellular uptake ability of encapsulated contents. It indicates that PLGA NP can optimize the efficacy of the encapsulated contents in various cases.

In this paper, we report on the effectiveness of PLGA NP in improving dermal wrinkles of hydrolyzed eggshell membranes consisting of polymers.

The Parshe Analyzer^® is the latest dynamic image analysis device that measures the shape and size of particles from captured images. The sample liquid is controlled in the form of a thin sheet by optimizing the flow. It is possible to observe a large number of particles and measure the shape of particles with high accuracy in a short time, with the focusing lens on the center of sheet-shaped sample liquid. Furthermore, a clear particle image can be obtained with the automatic focus adjustment method.

ABSTRACT

As the new items in our latest brand, “ExquiRoutine”, we introduce two products, “ExquiRoutine^TM Serum Mask RAⅠ” and “ExquiRoutine^TM Serum RAⅠ”. These two products belong to the main series, “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 Malaysia 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 technology 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. Since 2004, we have 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 technology.

Hosokawa Micron Cosmetics is developing the mail-order business under two major brands, the hair restorer “NanoImpact^®” and the cosmetics “NanoCrysphere^®”.

“Nano Impact” has been well received by many customers, promoting the latest series “Co17” nationwide and due to the increasing needs for women’s hair restorers. The top model of hair restorer “Grand Cru” and the lineup of shampoos and conditioners are also getting popular and we are making efforts to expand the base of the “NanoImpact^®” brand and further improve the brand power, so that more customers can enjoy hair care as a whole.

As for the cosmetics “NanoCrysphere^®”, due to the influence of the new coronavirus, demand for care around the eyes (eye care) by wearing a mask is increasing, and sales of eyelash essence “Eyelash Serum” and “Eye Cream” are doing well. We are developing sales promotions nationwide, focusing on TV commercials.

Under the circumstances where decreased purchasing motivation is concerned due to the influence of the new virus worldwide, we will continue to carry out efficient sales promotion activities by taking advantage of the strength of mail-order sales of products that can be purchased even at home.

The corporate motto is to improve the quality of life (QOL) of everyone’s social life by providing general consumers with the products that utilize the world-class nanoparticle technology of the Hosokawa Micron Group. We are always studying the new trends and will continue to work for the better.

Hosokawa Micron has been importing and selling powder coating machines using environmentally friendly “Powder coatings” since 1979 from German company “Wagner”. In 1997, Wagner-Hosokawa Micron Ltd. 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 Alpine AG created in 2017 the service brand BLUESERV out of the long existing service division to show that the aftersales service is an important part of the company. A good aftersales service is the key factor for customer satisfaction and long-term good relationship.

Currently BLUSERV has in Augsburg 26 employees in sales and support and a further 11 field technicians for maintenance and repair of the system worldwide. With additional BLUESERV service bases and own service technicians in France, Spain, Poland, Russia and our certified service partners in the MENA region and South East Asia, we are close to our customers.

The relationship between Kyoto University and Hosokawa Micron Corporation & Hosokawa Powder Technology Foundation through the Powder Technology started near the end of the Second World War, when Mr. Masuo Hosokawa, the second president of Hosokawa Micron Corp., studied at Kyoto University and had close relationship with the academic people there. On the occasion of receiving the decoration of his father for the contribution by the invention of excellent machines, the Hosokawa Powder Technology Research Institute was established in 1958 with the assistance of the eminent professors including Prof. Saburo Kamei of Kyoto University. Mr. M. Hosokawa not only made the Hosokawa Group the top leading company worldwide in the field of powder technology by a number of managemental measures including the M&A but also contributed to the promotion of powder technology by publishing technical journals like the “KONA Powder and Particle Journal” & books and then established the Hosokawa Powder Technology Foundation in 1991 in order to support the academic researchers by funding their research and education and present awards. The Hosokawa Powder Technology Symposium has been organized by the Council of Powder Technology, Japan (CPT), which was founded also by Mr. M. Hosokawa in 1968, collaborating with the Hosokawa Powder Technology Foundation with the assistance of researchers from various universities and institutes.