On 21 March 2025,
at Meeting Room M119, National Metal and Materials Technology Center Building, Thailand Science Park.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of MTEC, alongside Dr. Sumittra Charojrochkul, Executive Director of ENTEC, in conjunction with other executives and researchers, received and engaged in discussions with a delegation from Chuo University, Japan, as well as representatives from JETRO Bangkok and the NEDO Asian Representative Office in Bangkok. The meeting focused on emerging technologies relevant to the management of used lithium-ion batteries, end-of-life solar panels, and electronic waste.
During the meeting, Dr. Anucha Wannagon, Director of the Ceramics and Construction Materials Research Group, presented the group’s research focus on applying science and technology to support the industrial, social, and security sectors. Their work involves researching and developing production processes, synthesizing and analyzing ceramics and construction materials, and particularly utilizing natural raw materials and industrial waste to create competitive products with minimal environmental impact. Following this, Dr. Witchuda Daud, a researcher from the Plastic Technology Research Team, Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, and Dr. Nudjarin Ramungul, A research specialist in the Environmental Research Group, jointly presented on “Thailand’s Transition Towards a Circular Economy.” They emphasized MTEC’s role in driving the circular economy by collaborating with both domestic and international partners through R&D efforts focused on developing solutions that facilitate this transition. These initiatives are presently concentrated on eco-design, production methodologies, and the efficient reintegration of recycled materials and resources into the system. The session continued with Dr. Pimpa Limthongkul, Director of the Energy Innovation Research Group at ENTEC, who showcased ENTEC’s research and innovations in energy storage systems. Dr. Amornrat Limmanee, Team Leader of Solar Cell Technology Research, also presented her research on the “Solar Sure” system, which is used for inspecting, monitoring, and screening used solar panels for reuse.
After the meeting concluded, the Cement and Sustainable Composite Materials Research Team under the Ceramics and Construction Materials Research Group led the delegation on a laboratory tour. Ms. Patthamaporn Timakul, Senior Research Assistant, welcomed the guests and gave a briefing on the team’s research, which focuses on the development of ceramic materials across various dimensions to meet the needs of different industrial applications. These include ceramics for the construction industry, ceramics that support production processes in various sectors, ceramics for energy and environmental applications, and specialized engineering ceramics such as bulletproof armor plates and materials for rail systems. The visit continued with tours of the Solar Cell Technology Laboratory and the Energy Storage System Technology Laboratory at ENTEC. This visit and discussion provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging insights and institutional information, with the visiting delegation expressing interest in using the gathered information as a basis for considering future collaborative research and development projects or potential joint activities.
Photos and news provided by: International Collaboration Section, MTEC