Research Director: Dr. Naoya Ogata
(Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University)
Research Term: 1981-1986

The major purpose of this project was to work toward the development of a new generation of synthetic condensation-type polymers of high added value by taking as models the sophisticated functional capabilities of such condensation macromolecular polymers as the DNA, proteins and phosphatides of living organisms.

Research Results

Synthesis of graphite film: A large-area graphite film having the same physical properties as single-crystal graphite was synthesized by the pyrolysis of POD (poly-para-phenyleneoxadiazol) in a high-temperature inactive gas atmosphere.

Crystalline Polymer: Polymethacyclophane, having a rigid, straight molecular chain and highly crystalline characteristics, has been synthesized. This material can be used as heat-resistant fibers or a fibrous electric conduction material.

Condensation polymer ultra-thin film: An aromatic anphiphilic monomer was dispersed on the surface of water and underwent a double-condensation reaction with another monomer added into the water. Thus, a single-molecule layer film of an aromatic condensation product could be synthesized that is heat resistant and stable in such organic solvents as acetone and alcohol.

Polymer synthesis under normal temperature and pressure: Polyester compounds could be synthesized from carbonic acid and glycol base raw materials using a phosphor catalyst. This enables syntheses under normal temperature and pressure as opposed to conventional polyester synthesis under high temperatures (200 – 300) and high vacuum ( less than 1mm Hg).

Single molecular particle of polymer: A polymer solution was dispersed on the surface of water while producing an ultra-fine particle comprising organic polymers. This technique has enabled the investigations of such polymer surface properties as adhesion, wetting and lubrication.

Absorption materials for separation of optical isomers: By fixing a chiral group of a polymer carrier with a special molecular structure of amino acid bases, a new bead-like material which has the function of material separation, has been made. This enables a complete separation of such optical isomers as D. L-amino acid. It can also function as a catalyst.

Synthesized urease: This is a hollow fine particle having a polyoxyethylene derivative that can selectively absorb and remove urea. It has applications in the construction of artificial kidneys, various sensors and functional electrode materials.

Fig 1: Polymetacyclophane

Fig 2: Polymeric adsorbents for separation of racemic mixtures

Fig 3: Graphite film