Keiji Shibata

Title: Keiji Shibata: Innovator in Silica Technology

Introduction

Keiji Shibata is a prominent inventor based in Annaka, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of silica technology, holding a total of 6 patents. His innovative approaches have led to advancements in the production and application of hydrophobic silica fine powders.

Latest Patents

One of Shibata's latest patents is a method for producing hydrophobic silica fine powder. This process involves pyrolyzing a silane compound to create silica fine powder, which is then hydrophobized using an organohalosilane in a fluidization vessel. A portion of the silica fine powder is diverted to a waste gas line, where it is collected using a cyclone and bag filter. The collected powder is then returned to the fluidization vessel for hydrophobization, effectively reducing the amount of unreacted organohalosilane in the waste gases and improving reaction efficiency. Another notable patent involves the preparation of silanol-containing organosilicon compounds. This method allows for the efficient and cost-effective production of these compounds by adding water at a pH of 1-5 to an organooxysilane, creating a hydrolyzed mixture, and then adjusting the pH to 5-9 with a mono- or di-alkali metal salt of phosphoric acid.

Career Highlights

Shibata has built a successful career at Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., where he has been instrumental in developing innovative silica products. His work has not only advanced the company's technological capabilities but has also contributed to the broader field of materials science.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Shibata has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Minoru Igarashi and Masaharu Takahashi. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas.

Conclusion

Keiji Shibata's contributions to silica technology exemplify the impact of innovative thinking in the field of materials science. His patents and collaborative efforts continue to influence the industry, showcasing the importance of research and development in creating advanced materials.