Material Science Laboratory
The mission of the Material Science Laboratory is to create next-generation functional materials by precisely controlling their morphology from the atomic or molecular level to the nanometer or micrometer level. We are also developing new technologies for maximizing the functions of materials.
Nanotechnology
Material characteristics such as transparency, mechanical strength, and heat resistance, etc., can be changed by controlling morphology at the nanometer level (one millionth of a millimeter). Based on this, next-generation functional materials such as mass transfer materials and stimuli-responsive materials are now being developed using supramolecular technology in which molecules are self-organized through external stimuli, super-fine particle technology, and the latest polymer alloy technology.
Self-organization using supramolecular technology
Phase separation structure of high gas barrier coating
(light areas show inorganic phase)
Structural Control Technology
Structural control technology is being studied to improve function onset mechanisms. Polymer physical properties are analyzed to reveal the relationship between solid state properties and the primary structure/higher-order structure in order to create new and improved materials for customers. We are also working on the development of mold processing evaluation technology, which was previously thought to be nearly impossible, using small amounts of polymer to accelerate the development of new materials.
Heat-resistant transparent polyimide film
Plastic Surface Processing Technology
In order to create novel performance within polymer films or modified resins, polymer surface processing technology is being researched and developed using thin film formation techniques, for example, vacuum evaporation, sputtering, ion plating, and by other means, namely, surface treatment techniques using plasma, or surface modification techniques using nanoimprinting.
Glow discharge plasma in a vacuum chamber
Polymer film surface processed by nanoimprinting
Computational Science in Product Research and Development
Computer simulations make it possible to know more about systems that are difficult to study experimentally, at any length scale, be it atomistic, molecular, meso- or macroscopic. We are using these methods to design catalysts, agrochemicals, functional polymers and to study polymer and chemical engineering processes.
Computational science in product research and development
Calculated transition state structure
Behavior of bubble flow in a fluidized bed reactor.
Functional Polymeric Materials and Complex Materials
We are now developing various functional polymeric materials and complex materials such as polyimide resin, which is a typical heat-resistant resin. At present, we are working on the development of easily disintegrative biodegradable materials with a low environmental load that can be broken down in water and are biodegradable as new materials, for example, sanitary materials, agricultural/gardening materials and construction materials that currently use non-degradable resin. We are also developing next-generation positive photosensitive polymers that have a low-dielectric constant.
Environmentally friendly and easily degradable nonwoven cloth
Positive photosensitive polymer
