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
Nanoporous Material
Next-Generation Environment-Friendly Technology
Through our next-generation composite technology for functional polymeric, organic, and inorganic materials, we have been able to develop composite materials with new functions. We will continue development of easily degradable materials with low environmental impact such as sanitary materials, agricultural/gardening materials, and construction materials that currently use non-degradable resins. Through development of aqueous degradable polymers, we hope to develop advanced materials that are in harmony with the global natural environment.
Aqueous degradable material
Easy degradable pots used in desert greening
Plastic Surface Processing Technology
To develop novel performing polymer films and modified resins, polymer surface processing technology is being developed using thin film formation techniques, such as vacuum evaporation, sputtering, ion plating, and other means, including surface treatment techniques using plasma, or surface modification techniques of nano-imprinting.
Glow discharge plasma in a vacuum chamber
State-of-the-Art Analysis Technology
Structural control technology is being studied to improve function onset mechanisms. Newest technology to analyze physical properties of polymers to reveal the relationship between solid state properties and primary structure/higher-order structure are being undertaken at the molecular level. We are also working on the development of mold processing evaluation technology, which was previously thought to be mostly impossible, by using small amounts of polymer to accelerate the development of new materials.
Nano-structure of compound material
Ordered structure of electrode surface
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.
