KIWA Chemical Industry Co., Ltd
Dyestuff Division
dyestuff

DEVELOP

Kiwa Chemical Industry, established in Wakayama, the birthplace of synthetic dye in Japan, bringing high-quality products to the world.

We are engaged in daily research efforts to continue providing products that meet our customers' needs.

The eight development concepts

1. Bringing high-quality dyes and pigments to the world

In 1954 we developed azo organic pigments using the diazo and coupling reaction.
We continued researching the diazo and coupling reaction, successfully developing disperse dyes in 1966 and reactive dyes in 1982.
We'd like to take this opportunity to introduce our core technologies which have been incorporated into products developed over the past sixty years.

Core technologies

Absolute confidence in diazo & coupling reactive technologies

Optimizing both the aromatic amines which will become diazonium compounds,
and aromatic amines that react with the diazonium compounds results in azo disperse dyes with a variety of hues.
Because the disperse dyes chemical structure does not contain a water-soluble base, it is poorly soluble in water. (Soluble in organic solvents)




Azo reactive dyes synthesis

Optimizing both the aromatic amines which will become diazonium compounds,
and aromatic amines that react with the diazonium compounds results in azo reactive dyes with a variety of hues.

(Example of disperse dyes)
Used for dyeing synthetic fibers such as polyester.



Azo reactive dyes synthesis

Optimizing both the aromatic amines which will become diazonium compounds,
and aromatic amines that react with the diazonium compounds results in azo reactive dyes with a variety of hues.




One feature of reactive dyes is that they possess a functional group (the blue section in the structural formula below)
within the chemical structure that reacts with the element to be dyed (such as cotton).
They also contain a water-soluble base making them soluble in water.




(Example of reactive dyes)
Used for dyeing natural fibers such as cotton.



Naphthol azo pigments

Optimizing both the aromatic amines which will become diazonium compounds,
and aromatic amines that react with the diazonium compounds results in naphthol azo pigments with a variety of hues.




Because naphthol azo pigments do not contain a water-soluble base in the chemical structure,
they are poorly soluble in water. Compared to disperse dyes they have a comparatively higher molecular weight and are poorly soluble even in organic solvents.

(Example of naphthol azo organic pigments)
Used for copier toner and dyeing natural fibers such as cotton.



Microparticle dispersal stabilization and
redispersal microparticle powderization technology

It is possible to create stable particles in water (microparticle dispersal stabilization)
for poorly water-soluble disperse dyes and naphthol azo pigments.



Also, it is possible to manufacture microparticle powderized disperse dyes and pigments from
which the moisture content can be removed that have been microparticle dispersal stabilized in water, and water can be added again to reactivate microparticle dispersion.



High-level purification and refinement technology
We can also refine (high-level purification) various dyes such as disperse dyes,
reactive dyes, solvent dyes, and acid dyes to draw out their true hues.



Dyes and pigments blending technology
Based on our vast storehouse of knowledge in dye, pigment, and coloring technologies,
appropriately selecting and blending high-quality dyes and pigments enables us to manufacture products tailored to customer needs.


2. Textile inkjet ink development

At Kiwa Chemical, we develop and manufactures textile inkjet ink
by utilizing our years of expertise in the dye synthesis, dyes and pigments fields to the full.

･Textile inkjet ink --> Various dyes synthesis and high-level purification techniques are applied.

･Disperse dyes ink and organic pigment ink -->microparticle dispersal stabilization technique is applied.

･Reactive dyes ink and acid dyes ink --> high-concentration aqueous solution technique is applied.

･High-concentration coloring and high strength -->various dyes and pigments knowledge and dyeing techniques are applied.

3. Development of new organic dyes
for vividly colored new materials

We are involved in developing organic dyes for use with new materials.

4. Organic dyes synthesis technology is being applied
to development of new functional compounds

Various dyes synthesis techniques are being applied to the development of functional compounds.

･Photochromic compounds
･Ultraviolet light absorbing materials

5. Customers first

With our corporate philosophy of 'moral education, creation, and service' in mind, we continuously pursue products that will satisfy our customers.

･The entire team of researchers works together to talk directly with customers.
･The valuable opinions and requests of our customers are incorporated into new products.
･When customers are in need of assistance, we work with them to solve the problem.

6. An unrestricted research environment that respects autonomy

Researchers let their imaginations run freely, actively working toward their goals.

･Ideas remain unfettered without being caught up in preconceived notions.
･Experiencing failure is an important asset.
･New products are being researched and developed to make customers happy.
･The sense of accomplishment and contribution when developing new products is enormous in such a small organization.
･Once the first goal is reached, it is time to move on to the next.

7. Technology information is shared with our Film Division

Our researchers share technological information with the researchers from the Film Division.

･The existence of two different types of business in the same company is a major advantage for us.
･When running into problems, we can use the technology and knowledge of the Film Division to solve the problem quickly.
･We are also not shy in making use of the Film Division's analysis equipment.

8. Actively participating in outside seminars

Researchers actively participate in outside seminars in order to improve their daily skills.

･Staff participate in outside seminars when necessary.
･After joining the company it is possible to gain a range of expert knowledge.
･Interacting with people from other industries is a great driving force toward achieving goals.