BSEF Seminar gathers brominated flame retardants experts in Japan
The BSEF Asia Forum Seminar entitled “Brominated Flame Retardants – Challenges & Trends” was part of the second edition of the BSEF Asia Seminar held in Yokohama city on the 4th and 5th November 2018. During the 2-day event BSEF had the opportunity to meet with multiple Asian stakeholders and to exchange its views with Japanese specialists on bromine and flame retardancy.
The seminar that counted with more than 60 participants was officially opened by Mr. Kasturirangan Kannah, BSEF chairman. Mr. Kannah highlighted the fact that “While there are some moves to strengthen regulations in the field of E&E products such as printed wiring boards and connectors, flame retardants that prevent the ignition of electronic equipment are extremely important”. He added, “We (BSEF members) are working on the development of eco-friendly products, and also dealing with the regulations. Through this Forum, we would like to introduce technical challenges and make a big contribution to the development of automobiles and E&E fields.”
After Mr. Kannah introduction five specialists provided their presentations on the roles and future of brominated flame retardants. The speakers provided their insights on the direction of technology development in brominated flame retardants, the risk trade-off of fire and chemical substances, communication between chemical industries and user industries concerning various regulations, and the trends and challenges of flame retardants in automobiles.
Mr. Hitoshi Nishizawa, the President of Nishizawa Technical Laboratory explained why the brominated flame retardants are highly efficient, and showed the molecular structure of high efficient flame retardants. As the future subjects, he pointed out the development of new synergism with flame retardants that may replace antimony trioxide, and the analysis of combustion behavior by computer simulations.
Dr. Kiyotaka Tsunemi, Group Leader of Emission & Exposure Analysis Group from National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan focused his presentation on the results from a survey where consumers clearly state that they have consciousness to avoid accidental risk such as fire rather than to avoid chemical risk.
The seminar also counted with the participation of Mr. Satoshi Asada (Project General Manager of Regulation & Certification Div. from Toyota Motor Corp.), Mr. Masayuki Okoshi, (Senior Manager of Fuji-Xerox and President of the society of Flame-retardant Material in Japan) and Mr. Yoshiaki Ichikawa, (Visiting Professor of Tama University Research Center). These speakers explained the trends and challenges of Automotive, Electrical and Electronic (E&E) industries.
During the Seminar reception, the participants had the opportunity to hear to a presentation from, Dr. Masaru Kitano, known as the leading expert in environmental chemistry, on the importance of chemical management based on risk assessment. In the past, BSEF have worked in collaboration with Professor Kitano in order to translate and disseminate his book – “Introduction to flame retardancy”
About BSEF
BSEF is the international bromine producers organisation. Since 1997, the organisation has been working to foster knowledge on the uses and benefits of bromine-based solutions. BSEF strongly believe in science and innovation. Through investments in research and development BSEF members create robust bromine-based technologies meeting the needs of society. The members of BSEF are Albemarle Corporation, ICL Industrial Products, Lanxess and Tosoh Corporation.
Further information: Visit www.bsef.org to learn more and follow BSEF on Twitter @BromineInfo for the latest news and information.