Unveiling trans-scale relationship between dynamic bonds and mechanical properties by homogeneous polymer networks

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K14678
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 35020:Polymer materials-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Nakagawa Shintaro 東京大学, 生産技術研究所, 講師 (40806642)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 動的結合 / 力学物性 / ゴム / エラストマー / 架橋高分子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Crosslinked polymers such as rubber and gel are made of three-dimensional network of polymer chains and are important material for our life and society. Incorporation of dynamic bonds, which are weak and reversible bonds/interactions, is a promising strategy to enhance the mechanical performance of crosslinked polymers. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between the molecular design of various dynamic bonds and the macroscopic mechanical properties of the crosslinked polymer materials. By utilizing homogeneously crosslinked polymer as a model system, the function of dynamic bonds with different working principles was quantitatively compared for the first time. A basis to rationally design tough polymeric materials using dynamic bonds was successfully established.

Free Research Field

高分子科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで明確でなかった、高分子材料の力学特性向上における種々の動的結合の役割が明らかになったことで、動的結合を用いた材料の合理的設計・開発が可能になると期待される。さらに、本研究で確立した手法は、過去に開発された・あるいは今後現れる動的結合を客観的に評価するための標準スキーム・ベンチマークになりうるものである。本研究の直接のターゲットはエラストマーだが、溶媒を含むゲル・硬質なプラスチックスやポリマーガラス等への足がかりとなると考えられ、高い発展性を有する意義深い成果である。