繊維学部研究紹介_英語版

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38Functional Polymer ScienceDeveloping gelling agents that can create solids simply by their addition and thickeners for creating viscous substances through molecular designDepartment of Chemistry and MaterialsI am working to develop low-molecular-weight compounds that form gels or bring about viscosity simply through addition to organic solutions or water and to research potential applications of these substances. My lab is categorizing components that comprise compounds that act as gelling agents and thickeners and examining the forces and structures that form gels and viscous substances. We are also researching potential applications in cosmetics.Kenji HanabusaProfessorAfter graduating from Osaka University as an undergraduate and later completing the school’s graduate course, Professor Hanabusa worked at Shinshu University as a research associate, assistant professor, and associate professor before taking his current position in 1999.In 2002, he received an award from the Society of Fiber Science and Technology in Japan. In 2011, he received the Mitsubishi Chemical Award from the Society of Polymer Science, Japan, as well as the Chemical Society of Japan’s Technology Award.This research has major potential for industrial applications (including cosmetics, gel electrolytes, coating materials, display devices, liquid crystal gels, inkjet inks, paper for printing, formulations for external skin use, and sol-gel polymerization casts).Outlook for researchGraduates are employed by chemical, electrical, and cosmetic companies and as public ocials. They are valued by companies in numerous elds.Outlook for students after graduationA new eye shadow prototype made using a polysiloxane gelling agentWe plan to commercialize this lipstick, which uses a low-molecular-weight gelling agent.The gel formation process using a gelling agent: The gelling agent is mixed in a solution (left) and melted using heat (center). When cooled, it becomes a gel (right).toluenegelling agenta solutiongelmelt heatstand at room temperatureFunctional Polymer ScienceNecklace-shaped supramolecules and cellulose/chitin nano-whiskersDepartment of Chemistry and MaterialsI am pursuing two principal areas of research. The first involves utilization of necklace-shaped supramolecules called polyrotaxanes in order to develop functional materials such as gels, fibers, and films through chemical modification. The second involves applications of nano-whiskers, that is, rod-like microcrystal particles of cellulose obtained primarily from trees and plants and those of chitin from crab and shrimp shells for use as reinforced nanocomposites.Jun ArakiAssociate ProfessorAssociate Professor Araki took his current position in 2012 after working as a JST-CREST postdoc researcher, a technical advisor to Advanced Softmaterials Inc., and an assistant professor under the Shinshu University Young Researchers Empowerment Project. His areas of specialization include supramolecular chemistry and polysaccharide chemistry.Polyrotaxane and cellulose/chitin nano-whiskers are both materials with diverse future potential. These carbohydrate-based, eco-friendly, and biodegradable components will nd wide application in society.Outlook for researchGraduates are employed primarily by chemical and material manufacturers.Outlook for students after graduationA certain polyrotaxane derivative, that is, a nano-sized necklace molecule with a width of 1 nanometer, can be used to form a exible lm that has been utilized to paint cell phones.Cellulose nano-whiskers from plants (left). These nano-sized bers have an elastic modulus higher than that of steel. They can form a liquid crystal that shows vivid birefringence between crossed polarizers (right).