Development of next-generation mechanoprobes that can contribute to elucidation of failure, fatigue, and degradation mechanisms in polymeric materials

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K15623
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 35010:Polymer chemistry-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Imato Keiichi 広島大学, 先進理工系科学研究科(工), 助教 (80777970)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 高分子化学 / メカノケミストリー / メカノクロミズム / メカノフォア / 分子マシン / 分子スイッチ / 電荷移動相互作用 / 応力検出

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we tried to develop mechanoprobes (MPs) with functions suitable for elucidation of failure, fatigue, and degradation mechanisms in polymeric materials, such as thermal irreversibility at room temperature, photoreversibility, and highly sensitive detection of force. Although the designed MPs could not be obtained, we successfully synthesized a molecular switch, which is a central part of the MPs and showed properties superior to existing molecular switches, including large structural changes, high switching ratio, and excellent thermal stability. The molecular switch was introduced into linear polymers, enabling them to photoreversibly convert their structures in solution and physical properties in bulk.

Free Research Field

高分子化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

アゾベンゼンに代表される分子スイッチは、化学に限らず生物学や工学などの広範な分野で利用されている。本研究で開発した新たな分子スイッチはアゾベンゼンを凌駕する機能を示し、今後、様々な応用が期待されることから学術的意義は大きい。特にソフトアクチュエーターや光可逆性接着剤の実現により、近年注目を集めるソフトロボットやリサイクル分野での貢献が考えられ、社会的意義も十分にある。