Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has introduced its latest research success at Hannover Messe 2007, namely the environmentally friendly fire-resistant insulation material Reddex. Even at temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius, Reddex features a back-side temperature of 300 degrees for over 60 minutes, neither drip-melting nor breaking apart. Reddex’s high level of adhesion ensures that a building’s structural steel frame remains intact even in the event of a serious fire. The product has a wide range of applications, from vehicles and buildings to the production of industrial goods, and meets the latest environmental specifications of the EU.

While traditional fire-resistant insulation materials did not go up in flame, their high density, heavy weight and inability to withstand scratching compromised their effectiveness. The insulation frequently peeled or crumbled after being exposed to flames, resulting in a large amount of dust particles. Traditional insulation also contained halogens and phosphorous, which produced toxic particles after being exposed to fire.

Reddex, however, is an environmentally friendly material. It effectively resists rises in temperatures and features a high level of adherence. When exposed to flames, Reddex only emits steam since it does not contain halogens or phosphorous, and the smoke density is only 2.0, compared with a level of 200 that is considered safe. Reddex passed the U94 fire resistance test, showing a level of V0 in tests directed at its biolayer thickness of 0.1-1.0 mm. The insulation material has been successfully used in paints & coatings, pastes, films & tapes, hoses & tubes, boards & sheets, coated fabrics, and protective layered structures.

ITRI, which developed Reddex, is Taiwan’s leading high-tech R&D powerhouse. Attending this year’s fair under the theme “Gateway to Asia for R&D Applications,” ITRI seeks to stress its image as a developer of innovative technology and its focus on service. It hopes to establish even more opportunities for international cooperation and technology transfer. ITRI’s research presently covers the fields of energy and the environment, biomedical technology, advanced manufacturing and systems, nanotechnology, material and chemical, electronics and optoelectronics, and information and communications. Two of the world’s foremost semiconductor foundries, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and United Microelectronics Corp. are ITRI spin-offs. In 2005, the Asian Association of Business Incubation named ITRI as Asia’s Best Incubator, highlighting ITRI’s role as a fountainhead of high-tech development in Taiwan.

General Director of ITRI’s International Business Center Dr. Liang-Han Hsieh noted Taiwan’s importance in the global high-tech supply chain, adding that the source of almost every high-tech item on Taiwan can be traced back to ITRI. ITRI’s efforts have made Taiwan a vital partner in the global high-tech industry, he said. Early in September 1996, ITRI established its Western Europe Office in Berlin to better serve European customers. It has selected outstanding technology R&D, technology management and technology achievements for transfer, providing Taiwan industry with value-added services. It also introduces various technologies to industries throughout Europe. The office presently maintains R&D cooperation with counterparts, such as Germany’s Fraunhofer, Hungarian Academy of Science and the Netherlands’ TNO.