Development of analytical method of interfacial properties of self healing concentrated polymer brushes and their expansion to practical systems

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K04249
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 18040:Machine elements and tribology-related
• Research Institution: Tsuruoka National College of Technology
• Principal Investigator: arafune hiroyuki 鶴岡工業高等専門学校, その他部局等, 准教授 (90707811)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ポリマーブラシ / トライボロジー / 自己修復

Outline of Final Research Achievements

As the transition to a recycling-oriented society progresses against the backdrop of the 2015 Paris Agreement and the formulation of the SDGs, the development of low-friction lubricants that enable the development of highly efficient and long-life processes is an inevitable issue in Japan, where resources are scarce. In this study, we analyzed the polymer structure and interfacial properties of a low-friction lubricant, concentrated polymer brush (CPB), by forming CPB from the inside of the base material through self-segregation of block polymers. The results revealed that low-friction manifestation on rough opposing surfaces and the rate of polymer formation and low-friction properties can be controlled by controlling the polymer chain length. Based on the obtained results, this system is expected to be utilized as a practical lubrication system with self-healing properties and lubricating and durable properties.

Free Research Field

材料化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

濃厚ポリマーブラシ（CPB)は優れた潤滑性を示すことから高効率・長寿命なプロセス開発実現への寄与が期待される一方、摩耗による特性損失が本質的な課題となっていた。本研究はブロックポリマーの添加による基材内部からの自己偏析を利用したCPB形成について、ポリマー構造と表面特性の関係性について検証するとともに、実用に耐えうる潤滑界面の形成を明らかにした。本研究の結果はCPBの潤滑応用におけるポリマーの設計指針を提案するとともに、シール材や家電製品といった様々な製品の省エネ・長寿命化を可能とすることから、循環型社会構築に貢献するものと期待される。