奈良先端科学技術大学院大学 先端科学技術研究科　物質創成科学領域 ナノ高分子材料研究室

Welcome to "Nanomaterials and Polymer Chemistry Laboratory" !!

This laboratory started in 2015 to research functional materials and nanomaterials in the field of polymer chemistry. Nanomaterials and Polymer Chemistry laboratory belonged to both Departments of “Center for Frontier Science and Technology” and “Graduate School of Materials Science” in NAIST. In 2019, the laboratroy promoted to the one of main laboratories at Division of Materials Science. The laboratory also belongs to Institute for Research Initiatives and Data Science Center at NAIST. Our research interest is the creation and developments of functional polymers. We also focus on collaboration with companies and education of graduate students .

Prof. Hiroharu Ajiro

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Education and Research Activities in the Laboratory

Based on the concept of “molecular technology”, this laboratory was established in 2015 to conduct research on functional materials and nanomaterials in the field of polymer chemistry. Students who are interested in polymer synthesis and nanomaterials are welcome. The development of functional polymer materials requires knowledge of organic synthesis, analytical methods, and materials design, all of which are covered in the laboratory. We offer a thorough education to prepare students to become researchers through discussions, presentations, and participation in academic conferences and meetings.

Based on the concept of “molecular technology” and “precise polymerization”, we create biomaterial, energy related materials, and environmental friendly materials, using polymer chemistry. We cooperate companies for actual application. We contribute to society by development of human resources. In order to achieve that, I do my best by frequent discussion with members and by conveying approaches and challenging spirits.


For the Achievement: See see this page

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Research Topics

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■ General Synthetic Polymers & Multifunctional Biodegradable Polymers

In order to give additional functions and higher physical properties, the general synthetic polymers are modified. For example, the oil gel using polystyrene and functional polyurethane by monomer design. Multi-functional biodegradable polymers are designed. For example, the medical materials for circular organs, long -term release, and antithrombotic surface materials by poly(trimethylene carbonate) derivatives

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■ Amphiphilic Polymer & Nano Structure Control

Functional materials by amphiphilic polymers are designed. For example, N-vinylamide derivatives for gas hydrate inhibitors and antibacterial materials. .In order to produce functional polymer materials, nanostructure control approach are employed. For example, nano thin films for th ermal storage materials and adhesives and nano particles for drug delivery system.

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■ Control of Polymer Structure

Precise polymerization and material processing are utilized in order to create the novel polymer structure and material. For example, star- and cage- shaped polymers, as well as narrow PDI, by living radical polymerization, well-defined polymers by development of novel polymerization methods, and non-woven fabric with low molecular weight compounds by electrospinning process method.

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■ Degradable Polymer

Molecular design of the novel monomers contribute to medical and environment. For example, medical materials for circular organs, long-term release, and environmentally friendly polymers are created by poly(trimethylene carbonate derivative)s with ester free structure, polylactides with chain end modification, and chemically modified poly(butylene succinate) with double bond in the main chain.

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■ High Performance Polymer

General polymers are modified in order to control physical and chemical characteristics, such as mechanical strength or thermal properties. For example, particle structure by N–vinylamide, high performance polymer by polyurethane, flexible materials and antifouling surfaces by chitin/chitosan and agarose are designed and prepared.

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■ Novel Functional Polymer

Molecular technology concept contribute to the creation of next- generation functional materials, solving the social problems. For example, water-harvesting and -retaining by functional hydrogels, thermal storage by nanofilm coating, and novel functional materials by the combination of rotaxane and stereocomplex, are created.

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