Makoto Ouchi

Precision Degradation of Essentially Non-Degradable Polymers via Trigger Activation

Research Director

Makoto Ouchi

Collaborator

Daisuke Takeuchi	Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology Hirosaki University
Tetsuaki Fujihara	Professor Graduate School of Engineering Kyoto University

Outline

In this project, we achieve precision trigger degradation of essentially non-degradable polymers that are synthesized via addition polymerization. We study the three projects: degradation based on sequence control of trigger bond and assisting group; degradation based on ring-opening; unzipping degradation from chain terminal. Our effort is also directed to utilization of CO2 for incorporation of assisting group as well as upcycling of degradation compounds.

Kazunori Sugiyasu

Functions and Properties of Hierarchical Supramolecular Materials

Research Director

Kazunori Sugiyasu

Collaborator

Takashi Kajitani	Senior Technical Specialist Open Facility Center Tokyo Institute of Technology
Takuya Katashima	Lecturer School of Engineering The University of Tokyo
Sadaki Samitsu	Principle Researcher Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials National Institute for Materials Science
Satoshi Takamizawa	Professor Graduate School of Nanobioscience Yokohama City University

Outline

Supramolecular polymers are polymeric arrays of monomeric units which are connected through reversible non-covalent interactions, and as such, are promising scaffolds for designing new degradable materials. In this project, we control hierarchical structures within the supramolecular materials in a way that each hierarchical level functions independently or cooperatively. We particularly focus on degradability, self-healing ability, mechanical properties. We expect that the resulting hierarchical supramolecular materials will provide the basis for the development of sustainable materials science.

Chiharu Tokoro

Nanoparticle Aggregation and Dispersion Control for Easily Degradable Adhesion under Electric Pulse Stimulation

Research Director

Chiharu Tokoro

Collaborator

Manabu Inutsuka	Associate Professor Waseda Center for a Carbon Neutral Society Waseda University
Yohei Okada	Associate Professor Institute of Agriculture Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Masaki Kubo	Professor Graduate School of Engineering Tohoku University

Outline

In this project, we will develop a technique to debond the adhesives easily by applying an electrical pulsed discharge method, with controlling the dispersity of conductive nanoparticles added in the adhesives. Both experimental studies and simulations will be conducted to reveal and control the structure of the adhesives and their debonding process. The surface modification of the nanoparticles with designed ligands, analysis for the surface and dispersity of the nanoparticles, the observation of the pulsed discharge process, plasma generation and degradation phenomena will be conducted. We will clarify the relation between the surface molecular structure on nanoparticles and particle arrangement structure in adhesive that achieves optimum degradation by electrical pulsed discharge.

Tsuyoshi Michinobu

Development of Lignin-Derived Mechano-Biodegradable Elastomers by Utilizing Microbial Metabolism

Research Director

Tsuyoshi Michinobu

Collaborator

Yoshimitsu Sagara	Associate Professor School of Materials and Chemical Technology Tokyo Institute of Technology
Eiji Masai	Professor Institute of GIGAKU Nagaoka University of Technology

Outline

Mechano-biodegradable elastomers, in which biodegradation is initiated and accelerated when mechanical stimuli are applied, will be developed by using 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) obtained from lignin via microbial conversion. A fluorescence imaging method for evaluating the degradation process of biodegradable polymers at the single molecule level will be developed by using the mechanochromic properties. Biodegradable elastomers encapsulating enzymes that degrade PDC polymers will be also produced.