Japan: Market of the Future

Flat screens and solar cells, besides cell phones, are contributing to Japan's current success. Electronic-quality monosilane is particularly in demand in Asia for an increasing number of applications in thin-film photovoltaics, flat screens, and semi-conductors.

Key components for solar energy and high-tech

Evonik Industries, together with its partner Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC), has laid the cornerstone of a forward-looking integrated production facility for monosilane and AEROSIL® in Yokkaichi, Japan. Silanes are key components in the manufacture of ultra-pure silicon, an important raw material in the solar and electronics industries. This means that Evonik is now involved in all the main silicon-based photovoltaic technologies—an important step towards further strengthening its own integrated silicon production facilities. The silicon tetrachloride that is produced during monosilane production in Yokkaichi will be processed into silica and marketed separately under the AEROSIL® brand. 

A wide range of applications

Since the 1960s, we've been producing silicas such as AEROSIL® in Japan for a wide range of applications. For example, they are used to harden coatings against scratches, they enable the manufacture of fuel-saving, low rolling resistance tires, they improve the flow behavior of toothpastes, and can also be used as a polishing agent for microchips. Over the last years, we’ve systematically strengthened our position in the attractive Japanese silica market. Evonik is the world leader for both fumed and precipitated silicas.

Growing markets

The next big waves of energy efficiency and climate control are both important growth drivers of our business in Japan. The photovoltaic sector promises a sunny outlook: According to forecasts, the global market for monosilanes alone will experience an average annual growth of 20 percent until at least 2020.