| POLYMERS Vol.62 No.1 |
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COVER STORY
Rising Star |
| COVER STORY: Topics and Products |
| Conform to Its Shape | Kento OKOSHI |
| <Abstract> This
article is an overview of our investigations of smectic liquid crystal
arrangements of rod-like helical polysilanes with narrow molecular weight
distributions and their mixtures with different molecular
weights. Some of the theoretically predicted molecular arrangements,
e.g., the micro-segregated smectic phase with alternating thick and thin
smectic layers rich in the long
polymer and short polymer, respectively, were observed by synchrotron
radiation small-angle X-ray scattering (SR-SAXS) and atomic force microscopy
(AFM) observations on the thin film surface. The formation of these unusual
molecular arrangements are entropically driven because these liquid crystal
formations of non-polar homopolymers conform mainly to their molecular
shapes, not their specific intermolecular interactions. The future investigation
of the fabrication of metal nano-wire grid polarizers using the smectic
phase as an template is also disscussed. Keywords: Liquid Crystal / Smectic Phase / Helical Structure / Polysilane / Entropy-Driven / Alignment Layer / Wire Grid Polarizer |
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| Go for a World-Leading Group in the Fields of Biomaterials and Green Technologies located at a Vibrant Rural University | Kazuki FUKUSHIMA |
| <Abstract> I
describe here what I would like to do with an own group recently launched
by exploiting my experience and expertise that I have acquired for the
last four and a half years in the U. S.. For research, I will work on
exploring organic catalysts to enable ring-opening polymerization of
lactide in bulk and to show stereoselectivity at ambient condition. Development
of functional biodegradable polymers will also be addressed for application
in bulk biomaterials such as scaffolds for regenerative medicine. My
research style will be oriented toward emphasizing patents and collaboration
with industries not only for commercialization but also for the local
community based on my past work experience. For education, especially
in English studies, I would like to have students learn how to communicate
and socialize with people rather than just how to speak English. Finally,
I would like to try many things from research to social activities with enthusiasm and ambition leading my small but promising
group. Keywords: Polymer Synthesis / Ring-Opening Polymerization / Biodegradable Polymers / Organic Catalysts / Self-Assembly |
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| Designing Supramolecular Hosts by In-situ Polymerization | Yasuhiro ISHIDA |
| <Abstract> In
supramolecular liquid crystals, molecules are confined in peculiar environments,
where ordered alignment and certain mobility are realized at the same
time. Considering these characteristics, the idea of multi-component
liquid crystal as zeolite analogue seems quite reasonable. Taking advantages
of their characteristic properties, such as structural order, certain
mobility of molecules, and easy access to various components, we have
succeeded in applying two-component liquid crystals as chiral organic
frameworks for selection, sensing, and transformation of small organic
substrates. Keywords: Liquid Crystals / Supramolecular Chemistry / Cross-Linking / Template Reactions / Host-Guest Chemistry / Chiral Recognition |
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| Development of Nanobiomaterials with Unique Properties and Their Biomedical Applications | Yosuke OKAMURA |
| <Abstract> Much
attention has recently been focused on the research field of nanotechnology.
Nano-sized structures with a large specific surface area (m2/g) in devices
lead to high reaction efficiencies on the interfaces. As a result, size,
weight and cost of the devices are reduced. For example, ultra-thin films
(nanosheets) have been developed as novel nanoseparation membranes and
flexible nanosensors for electrochemical and photochemical applications.
However, it may be hard to use them for biomedical applications due to
complicated preparative methods. In our laboratory, we develop innovative
and unique nanobiomaterials for medical applications by simple methodologies
based on macromolecular chemistry and molecular assembly. Especially,
we investigate the relationship between properties of the nanobiomaterials
(shape, size, thickness, interface and viscoelasticity etc.) and their
potential abilities. Keywords: Macromolecular Chemistry / Molecular Assembly / Nanobiomaterials / Drug Delivery / Nanosheets / Nanoparticles |
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| Prospective Research Views in My 40s | Daisuke TAKEUCHI |
| <Abstract> Our
recent research results on controlled synthesis of polymers with cyclolalkane
groups by transition metal catalysts, novel dinuclear transition metal
catalysts for olefin polymerization, and synthesis of novel cyclic oligomers
and polymers are briefly summarized.
Prospective research views based on these results are also mentioned. Keywords: Cyclopolymerization / Cycloolefin Polymers / Transition Metal Catalysts / Olefin Polymerization / Cyclic Oligomers |
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| New Materials Should Possess New and Unique Functions | Koji NAKANO |
| <Abstract> I
have started to manage a laboratory at Tokyo University of Agriculture
and Technology in 2012. My main research topic is the development of
new high-performance organic materials using sophisticated organic synthesis.
In here, I will describe my research policy as a principal investigator. Keywords: Organic Materials / Organic Synthesis / π-Conjugated Molecule / Polymerization Catalyst |
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| How do We Use Polymer Chemistry? | Akinori TAKASU |
| <Abstract> We
research new organic materials using polymer chemistry. Concept of our
new research group is “Polymer Chemistry for ???”, in which ??? results
from discussions with students and collaborators. Now, our group consists
of 3 divisions; environmentally benign polymer synthesis,
smart coating for bone regeneration, and design of new inducer of RNA
transcription for the genetically-modified
Escherichia coli. We also welcome new members having interest in organic
chemistry, environmental
chemistry, and biotechnology. Keywords: Polymer Chemistry / Polyester / Room-Temperature Polycondensation / Bone-Regeneration / Smart Coating / Glycoconjugate / Biosynthesis / Biotechnology |
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| Physical Properties of Polymer Composites Controlled by Interfacial Synergy | Naoya TORIKAI |
| <Abstract> The
physical properties and structures of polymer composites are examined
to control them using interfacial synergy produced at the involved material
interface. At present, the polymer composites with solid particles and
the composite polymer thin films on flat substrates are studied as a
main research subject. In this study, the polymer physical and chemical
adsorption on the solid particles or flat substrates is utilized to produce
interfacial synergy in each system, since the polymer adsorption could
produce a great variety in the chain conformation, surface coverage,
adsorbed amount, etc., of the polymer adsorbed at the interface. The
physical properties of these polymer composites are investigated by producing
different situation in interfacial properties with the adsorbed polymer.
Moreover, the up-to-date scattering techniques with neutron and synchrotron
X-rays are applied for structural observation on these polymer composites to understand their physical properties at
the molecular level. Keywords: Interfacial Synergy / Soft-Matter Composite / Polymer Adsorption / Solid Particle / Flat Substrate / Polymer Composite / Polymer Thin Film / Neutron and X-Ray Scattering |
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| Toward the Development of Fascinating Chiral Polymers | Katsuhiro MAEDA |
| <Abstract> My
research interest has been engaged by chiral polymers, especially helical
polymers, since I started my career as a researcher. In this essay, I
would like to describe my present works and my future aspirations. Keywords: Chiral Polymer / Helix / Amplification / Memory / Polymer Solar Cell |
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| Heart of Study on Synthetic Polymer Chemistry | Hiroto KUDO |
| <Abstract> Research
of the Kudo Group in Kansai University focuses on the synthesis of novel
functional materials and refining their physical properties. The synthesis
of non-linear polymers such as hyperbranched polymers, graft polymers,
cyclic polymers, and star-shaped polymers and their physical properties
are examined. Furthermore, new dynamic covalent chemistry systems are
also examined for the synthesis of three dimensional cage molecules.
The application for UV-curing materials, high-resolution resist materials,
high- and low-refractive index materials, and refractive-index change
materials are investigated using various synthesized functional polymers. Keywords: Synthesis / Polymer / Dynamic Covalent Chemistry / Resisit / Refractive-Index / UV-Curing |
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| Towards Further Development of Fundamental Research on Polymer Physics | Tsuyoshi KOGA |
| <Abstract> In
this article, I first report my research experience on polymer physics.
Then, I describe future research plans of my research group on the flow
properties of associating polymers, the physical properties of gels,
and the structure formation of block copolymers. Finally, I also discuss
the possibility of novel statistical-mechanical formalism for polymeric
systems including atomistic details. Keywords: Polymer Physics / Statistical Mechanics / Computer Simulation / Phase Separation / Rheology / Associating Polymers / Physical Gels / Block Copolymers |
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| Layman's Ideas that Break Common Sense | Kazunori MATSUURA |
| <Abstract> I
moved as a full professor to Tottori University at 1st April 2012, and
started my new laboratory with five excellent students. My previous investigations
are based on layman’s ideas, that broke scientific common sense. I would
like to pioneer in a novel field of biochemistry such as molecular robotics
and synthetic biology in the near future based on other “layman's idea”. Keywords: Layman’s Idea / Synthetic Virus / Molecular Robotics / Synthetic Biology |
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| Design and Synthesis of Well-Defined Glycopolymers for the Control of Biological Functionalities | Yoshiko MIURA |
| <Abstract> Polymers
with molecular recognition abilities are investigated. The polymers with
pendant saccharides, called “glycopolymers”, have been reported to show
the strong molecular recognition abilities to the sugar recognition protein
due to the multivalent effects.
In order to develop the glycopolymers with higher functionalities, I
have focused on the polymer properties.
The glycopolymers are prepared with living radical polymerization, and
the molecular recognition abilities are able to be tuned by molecular
weight and sugar densities. The hybrid glycopolymers via living radical
polymerization are able to be applied to biosensors and bioseparation.
In addition, the molecular recognitions are also investigated with polymer
nanoparticles. In the polymer nanoparticles, the 3D-structure and physical
properties are facilely controlled, and not only saccharide structure
but also polymer properties are shown to be important in molecular recognition
abilities. In the future experiment, the polymers with molecular recognition
abilities will be investigated by featuring polymer techniques and properties. Keywords: Molecular Recognition / Glycopolymer / Polymer Nanoparticle |
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| Polymer Science and I: A Personal Account |
| Shu Ha Ri | Saika OTSUBO |
| <Abstract> Research and development can be described in three stages “Shu Ha Ri”; learning the fundamentals, breaking the tradition, parting with the traditional wisdom. I want to create the “KAITEKI” society through science! |
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| Front-Line Polymer Science |
| Polypropylene, Now and Then... | Shuich KIMATA, Hideaki HAGIHARA |
| <Abstract> Thanks
to excellent cost performance, easy to mold, light weight (low density)
and so on, we can see polypropylene everywhere as wide application, so
polypropylene is the one of the most familiar material in all kind of
polymers. In this paper, current situation of polypropylene in world
market as well as of history and current movement in R&D were reviewed. Even though polypropylene is a commodity material today, technologies
are still growing up with step by step effort of researchers. Keywords: Polypropylene / Globalization / Technology Competitiveness / Mechanical Property / Structure Control / Crystal / Amorphous / Free Volume |
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