FACULTY RESEARCH ACTIVITY 2014

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46Functional Polymer ScienceMasahiro SuzukiAssociate ProfessorCreating gels from numerous liquids throughout the world and investigating a wide array of applications for supramolecular gelsDivision of Chemistry and MaterialsI am carrying out research into the development and application of low-molecular-weight gelling agents for gelling such liquids as oils, organic solutions, and water solutions. There is high demand for low-molecular-weight gelling agents in many fields, including oil-processing agents, cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical applications, foods, writing supplies, paints and inks, electronic devices, and LCDs.Associate Professor Suzuki took his current position in 2007 after working as an assistant professor at the Shinshu University Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology. His principal areas of research include low-molecular-weight gelling agents, functional polymer materials, and articial photosynthesis.Much research into applications for these materials focuses on low-molecular-weight gelling agents because they form nanobers within supramolecular gels. It is expected that low-molecular-weight gelling agents will permeate daily life in much the same way that polymers have.Outlook for researchGraduates are primarily employed by chemical manufacturers. Their skills as chemical researchers enable them to nd work in a wide variety of elds.Outlook for students after graduationA nano-structure formed in a supramolecular gel by a low-molecular-weight gelling agent, the gel electrolyte of a dye-sensitive solar cell, TiO2 cast production, and application as a cell-culture substrateSupermolecular gels formed from organic solutions using an L-amino acid-based low-molecular-weight gelling agent. We have created solid gels that do not fall out, even when held upside-down.Supermolecular gels from organic solutionsAcetoneSilicon oilEthanolTolueneNitrobenzeneGelling agent nano structureTiO2 nano berCulturing of broblastsDye sensitive solar cellSupramolecular gelFunctional Polymer ScienceCreating high-function fibers to facilitate safer and more comfortable lifestylesDivision of Chemistry and MaterialsFiber is a material that is essential in our daily lives, and I am pursuing research to make fiber even more useful. Currently, my lab is focusing on research to make fiber stronger (high performance) and to add conductive or antibacterial properties (high functionality) by combining numerous types of different materials.Yasuo GotohAssociate Professor Gotoh took his current position in 2007 after serving in the Faculty of Textile Science and Technology at Shinshu University as an assistant professor. His area of research is ber and polymer material science, and he is currently focuses on research into the properties of compound materials and high-polymer solids that combine organic and inorganic materials.When used in the bodies of moving vehicles such as aircraft and cars, these bers can reduce weight, improving fuel eciency and leading to energy savings. Improving the performance and functionality of ber is an area of research that contributes to the future of humanity.Outlook for researchMany graduates are employed by chemical and material companies. They also nd employment at non-ber-related companies when those companies handle bers.Outlook for students after graduationAssociate ProfessorHere, ber is being stretched on a heating plate. This process increases the strength of the ber by a factor of 10.Polymers are melted in a solution to prepare the spinning solution that serves as the raw material for ber.Direction ber travels

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