Company Filing History:
5 out of 1,165 
2 out of 2 Years Active: 1983-1998
Title: Innovations of Katsumi Hirao
Introduction
Katsumi Hirao is a notable inventor based in Akashi, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of biodegradable materials, particularly through his innovative cellulose ester compositions. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Hirao's work is paving the way for more sustainable products.
Latest Patents
One of Hirao's latest patents focuses on a biodegradable cellulose ester composition and article. This composition includes at least 10 weight % of a low-substituted cellulose ester, which has an average degree of substitution not exceeding 2.15. The composition is designed to achieve a 4-week decomposition rate of at least 60 weight %, as determined by the evolution of carbon dioxide in accordance with ASTM 125209-91. Additionally, the composition may contain a plasticizer, an aliphatic polyester, a photolysis accelerator such as anatase type titanium dioxide, or a biodegradation accelerator like organic acids and their esters. The low-substituted cellulose ester can have an average degree of polymerization ranging from 50 to 250 and a residual alkali metal/alkaline earth metal-to-residual sulfuric acid equivalent ratio of 0.1 to 1.1. This innovative biodegradable cellulose ester composition is suitable for manufacturing various articles, including fibrous products such as tobacco filters.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Katsumi Hirao has worked with prominent companies such as Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. and Shinto Kogio, Ltd. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in developing biodegradable materials.
Collaborations
Hirao has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Masanori Itoh and Atsunobu Kiyose. These partnerships have likely enhanced his innovative capabilities and broadened the impact of his inventions.
Conclusion
Katsumi Hirao's contributions to biodegradable materials through his innovative cellulose ester compositions highlight his role as a significant inventor in the field. His work not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens new avenues for sustainable product development.