Three More Companies Join KRICT Win-Win Technology Cooperation Center

Demonstration Projects Launched for Fuel Cells, Waste Insulation Materials, and Semiconductor Refrigerants

Three new companies have moved into the Chemical Materials and Components Win-Win Technology Cooperation Center at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology. With the completion of additional occupancy following the first consortium of three companies in the first half of the year, research focused on commercialization is set to accelerate alongside the establishment of demonstration equipment.

The newly admitted companies are consortia specializing in three advanced fields: membrane humidifiers for fuel cells, LNG ship insulation material recycling, and refrigerants for semiconductors.

Exterior view of the Chemical Materials and Components Win-Win Technology Cooperation Center. Provided by Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology

WaterTreeNes Co., Ltd. is collaborating with Dr. Park Jaeseong’s team at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology to develop hollow fiber membrane humidifier materials for fuel cell systems used in mobility. The goal is to replace the conventional commercial proton exchange membrane (PEM) with an eco-friendly cellulose-based water supply membrane that enhances efficiency and durability.

DS Filter Co., Ltd. has signed an MOU with a major corporation to secure demonstration demand for fuel cells and is planning joint mass production of fuel cells for hydrogen ships by 2027.

RePU Co., Ltd. is working with Dr. Cho Jeongmo’s team at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology and Woojo Hightech Co., Ltd. to develop LNG ship waste insulation material recycling technology. The approach involves recycling glass fiber-reinforced polyurethane insulation using low-temperature solvolysis technology to produce regenerated polyol, overcoming the limitations of the conventional high-temperature glycolysis process and responding to IMO carbon regulations. Expansion into various industrial sectors, including construction, home appliances, and plant insulation materials, is also anticipated.

Pureman Co., Ltd., together with Dr. Lee Sangu’s team at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology and PKI Co., Ltd., is demonstrating manufacturing technology for the ultra-low temperature semiconductor refrigerant HFE-7500. In response to global supply chain instability and existing refrigerant regulations, the company is working to commercialize “Low GWP refrigerants,” which have a low global warming potential when released into the atmosphere. Through optimization of the core electrochemical fluorination (ECF) process, the company aims to expand not only within the semiconductor sector but also into pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, and the broader fluorine-based materials industry.

Lee Youngguk, President of the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, stated, “Win-win cooperation between demand and supply companies is essential for the localization of materials and components,” adding, “We will actively support the resident companies at the center so they can focus on technological innovation and product development.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.