Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1995
Title: Masaki Watanabe: Innovator in Silicon Nitride Powder Preparation
Introduction
Masaki Watanabe is a notable inventor based in Annaka, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the preparation of silicon nitride powder. With a total of 2 patents to his name, Watanabe's work has implications for various industrial applications.
Latest Patents
Watanabe's latest patents focus on the preparation of high alpha-type silicon nitride powder. The first patent describes a method where metallic silicon powder is nitrided in a gas atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 1,000°C to 1,500°C. Midway through the nitriding process, the product undergoes heat treatment in an inert non-oxidizing gas atmosphere or vacuum at a temperature higher than the nitriding temperature but lower than 1,600°C. This process results in high alpha-content silicon nitride powder. The second patent outlines a method for preparing high alpha-type silicon nitride powder by mixing metallic silicon powder with a copper catalyst. The mixture is nitrided in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere containing nitrogen or ammonia at temperatures between 1,000°C and 1,500°C. The copper catalyst is limited to 0.05% to less than 0.5% by weight, allowing for the efficient removal of the catalyst through conventional acid treatment, resulting in high-purity silicon nitride powder at low cost and high efficiency.
Career Highlights
Masaki Watanabe is associated with Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., a leading company in the chemical industry. His work has contributed to advancements in materials that are essential for various technological applications.
Collaborations
Watanabe has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Hirofumi Fukuoka and Yoshiharu Konya. Their combined expertise has furthered the development of innovative materials in their field.
Conclusion
Masaki Watanabe's contributions to the preparation of silicon nitride powder highlight his role as an influential inventor in materials science. His innovative methods not only enhance the quality of silicon nitride powder but also promote cost-effective production techniques.