Research

Polymer materials are characterized by their dynamics much slower than that of small molecules as well as hierarchical structure resulting from the slow dynamics. We aim to pioneer novel functions of polymer materials through understanding and controlling structure and dynamics. Our research also includes development of environment-conscious materials that contribute to sustainable society.

Polymers with Dynamic Bonds :

Transient bonds such as reversible covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds are called the dynamic bonds. Introduction of dynamic bonds in polymer materials enables dynamically changing structure through bond dissociation, association, and exchange. We develop materials with unique functions such as self-healing ability by controlling the dynamic processes by molecular design. We also aim to realize polymers that easily degrade in natural environment by using stimuli-responsive dynamic bonds.

Bio-inspired functional polymers :

The long history of life has produced biological tissues with outstanding functionalities. We develop materials that outperform conventional ones by mimicking the structure of molecules and molecular assemblies in nature which realizes such functionalities.

Structurally homogeneous polymer networks :

Materials such as rubber and gel are indispensable to our life. These materials are made of a three-dimensionally crosslinked network of polymers. Polymer networks generally have structural inhomogeneity, which causes deterioration of their property. We aim to develop high-performance polymer materials based on structurally homogeneous polymer networks synthesized from precisely designed branched polymers.

• LABORATORIES
• Research Keywords