Masanori Fukuhira

Title: Masanori Fukuhira: Innovator in Metal Nitride Powder Production

Introduction

Masanori Fukuhira, an esteemed inventor based in Takasaki, Japan, holds a remarkable portfolio of seven patents. His innovations primarily focus on the continuous preparation of silicon nitride powder and the development of fluidized bed reactors for metal nitride production. Through his work, he has significantly contributed to advancements in material processing technologies.

Latest Patents

One of Fukuhira's latest patents involves the continuous preparation of silicon nitride powder. This method utilizes metallic silicon powder that is fed into a fluidized bed along with nitrogen or ammonia gas. The process discharges a nitrided product from the fluidized bed, with the metallic silicon powder being pretreated at a temperature of 1,000 to 1,400 degrees Celsius under a vacuum of 0.001 to 100 Torr before entering the nitriding reaction.

Another significant patent he holds is for a fluidized bed reactor designed for preparing metal nitride. In this reactor, metal powder and a non-oxidizing gas, such as nitrogen (N₂) or ammonia (NH₃), are introduced into a reaction tube to create a fluidized bed. By enclosing the reaction tube with an envelope to prevent air ingress, the reactor achieves high purity in metal nitride powder while safeguarding heater components from deterioration caused by metal fines.

Career Highlights

Masanori Fukuhira has played a pivotal role in the field of materials engineering while working at Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. His contributions have not only advanced industrial applications but have also laid the groundwork for future innovations in the preparation of metal nitride materials.

Collaborations

Fukuhira’s success is also attributable to his collaborations with talented colleagues, including Hirofumi Fukuoka and Yoshiharu Konya. Together, they have explored various dimensions of materials science, leading to significant breakthroughs in the production processes of advanced materials.

Conclusion

Masanori Fukuhira stands out as an innovative thinker in the field of materials processing. With a robust portfolio of patents and notable collaborations, he continues to impact the industry through his groundbreaking work on silicon nitride and metal nitride powders. His inventions are shaping the future of material science, and his contributions are likely to inspire further advancements in the industry.