Japanese

Research

Ambition

Based on needs and unsolved problems, we induce the innovation by composites from “Interface” and “Original Molecular Design”

“Without the precise interfacial design from molecular levels, impossible to reach commercialization !” By performing such unique and innovative development, we contribute the industrialization.

From the collaboration and the serendipity, triggered by international and domestic encountering, we conduct the innovative challenges with passion.

To solve the unsolved problems in composites,
we challenge from the precise chemical synthesis.

Originality

#1Interface

We focus on the interface, mainly, between
carbon materials, such as carbon fiber, diamond, carbon nanotube, nano carbons etc and resins. We perform the quantitative analysis of acid groups on carbon fiber and make the precise interfacial design.

#2Molecular Design

We can make the reactive polymer design, mainly focusing on highly reactive oxazoline, to solve problems in the end-use products. Based on the molecular design, we perform chemical synthesis.

#3Up to evaluation with small quantities

We can utilize a series of equipment from synthesis, interfacial coat, melt mixing with thermoplastic polymers, compression molding to make test pieces of composites, up to evaluation, such as strength, with gram quantities. We can test inspired ideas immediately.

Theme

Research on the interface between carbon materials and resins using reactive polymers

First in the world, we have successfully synthesized the original reactive polymers using oxazoline. By utilizing the reactive polymers, we conduct the interfacial research on carbon materials, such as carbon fiber and diamond, which are uniformly coated by carbon nanotube with chemical bonding.

This interface, which is precisely designed, has
1. Chemical reactive effect
2. Physical anchoring effect

With the synergy of the two effects, we have demonstrated the dramatic enhancement in the mechanical strength of carbon fiber polymer composites and in the holding strength of diamond particles.

Development of electrically conductive polymer having thermosetting properties

  • 1. Low viscous liquid at room temperature without curing reaction Possible to immerse the liquid into the fabric of carbon fibers
  • 2. Solidifying by the curing reaction with heating
  • 3. Exhibiting the electrically conductive properties

First in the world, delivering these three characteristics into the original thermosetting electrically conductive polyaniline, we carry out research and development. By utilizing this as the matrix of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) (see illustration), we have conducted research collaboration with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the University of Tokyo, resulting in the world first successful demonstration about no damages of our developed CFRP by the artificial lighting test (Not burned : our developed CFRP, Burned : conventional CFRP). We continue the further development for the practical uses.

Development of colorless transparent X-ray shielding composites

Research and development of colorless and transparent X-ray shielding composites has been carried out with Hirosaki University, Institute of radiation emergency medicine and Graduate school of health science, resulting in the success of the world's first. Currently, the further improvement of X-ray shielding property having colorless and transparency, together with the research and development toward practical applications.

Themes from research collaborations

We carry out the following new developments through new research collaboration.

  • ■Synthesis of the precise polymers having the modified terminal groups
  • ■Synthesis of the semi-conductors having both high mobilities and flexibility
  • ■Development of the wet processed coating layer having high gas barrier properties using polysilazane and its application to the encapsulation structure in organic led (OLED)
  • ■Development of the 3 dimensional (3D) electronics having printed electrically conductive lines
  • ■Evaluation of dispersion and shape about nano carbons

Research collaboration

From the collaboration and the serendipity, triggered by international and domestic encountering, we carry out the innovative challenges with passion.
Please contact us from the requests.

Research Center for
Innovative Functionalization Technology of Carbon Interface

Yamagata University, Center of Excellence (YU-COE)

Leader : Tatsuhiro Takahashi

Member (inside of YU)

Jun Matsui Faculty of Science, Material and Life Chemistry, Professor Nano thin layer
Kazuo Hara Faculty of Science, Mathematical Science, Asso. Professor Artificial Intelligence
Yuji Kume Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical System, Asso. Professor Metal
Toshiyuki Sugimoto Faculty of Engineering, Information and electronics, Asso. Professor Electrical and Electronic
Hiroki Tomori Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical System, Assist. Professor Mechanical System
Teruya Goto Faculty of Engineering, Project Researcher (Assist. Professor) Polymer

Member (outside of YU)

Giuseppe Milano University of Naples Federico II
Industrial Chemistry Professor		 Simulation
Tomohiro Yokozeki The University of Tokyo, Aerospace, Asso. Professor Aerospace composites
Toshio Ogasawara Tokyo University of Agricultural and Technology, Mechanical System, Professor Aerospace composites
Takao Okada Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Senior Researcher Aerospace technology
Tsunehisa Suzuki Akita Prefectural University, Advanced machining, Professor Grinding