Samyang Innovation R&D Fair 2026 marks 15th edition
Laser-weldable plastic EMC developed for automotive components
Ion exchange resin for nuclear plants localized, supplied to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power
Samyang Group has selected two research projects — a plastic material for automotive components and an ion exchange resin for nuclear power plants — as its top R&D achievements of the year.
The conglomerate held the Samyang Innovation R&D Fair (SIRF) 2026 on Wednesday at Samyang Discovery Center in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province, awarding 30 million won ($22,400) each to two outstanding research teams.
Now in its 15th year, SIRF is an annual event where Samyang researchers share their R&D achievements and top projects are recognized with prizes.
This year's excellence awards went to two projects: the development of a laser-weldable EMC material and the development of an ion exchange resin for nuclear power plants.
The laser-weldable EMC is used to bond plastic casings while preventing heat damage to ultra-precision electronic components. Samyang said it became the first domestic developer of a plastic material that uses polymer crystal formation design technology to allow laser beams to pass uniformly through to the bonding surface.
The material offers flame retardancy and hydrolysis resistance, and is currently used in automotive camera and actuator components in South Korea.
The ion exchange resin project was recognized for securing proprietary manufacturing process technology for lithium-type ion exchange resin. Ion exchange resins remove impurities from reactor coolant water and prevent pipe corrosion.
Samyang improved its pre-treatment process to reduce residual metallic impurities in the resin and lower lithium raw material consumption. The product is now supplied to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
The event also showcased ongoing research projects from seven laboratories spanning chemicals, food, pharmaceutical biotech, packaging and bio-convergence. Seven research themes were on display, including high-value engineering plastic materials, biocompatible beauty and health materials, and a gene therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.
Last year, a biodegradable polymer filler development project took the top prize, while a project on developing Sangkwaehwan Booster and Booster Zero hangover remedies and responding to efficacy verification requirements received the excellence award. This year, two projects related to automotive and nuclear materials claimed the excellence awards.
Samyang Group Chairman Kim Yoon urged researchers to "technically underpin the advancement of our global and specialty business portfolio, and continuously review and strengthen R&D priorities and core competencies in line with mid- to long-term business strategy." Kim added that researchers should "embed AI as the basic infrastructure of R&D to build differentiated research competitiveness."
hong@heraldcorp.com
