Polymer Science at an Interface with Good Solvents - Aggregation States and Dynamics in the Outermost Region of Hydrogels -

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H02790
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 35010:Polymer chemistry-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Tanaka Keiji 九州大学, 工学研究院, 教授 (20325509)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 春藤 淳臣 九州大学, 工学研究院, 准教授 (40585915)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 高分子界面 / ハイドロゲル / 凝集状態 / ダイナミクス / 粒子追跡法

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The objective of this study was to better understand the aggregation states and dynamics of polymer chains in a polymer hydrogel at the water interface. Combining atomic force microscopy with neutron reflectivity, the depth profile of cross-linking density in the interfacial region as well as the static and dynamic behaviors of dangling chains were successfully discussed. We also conducted particle tracking measurements so that the viscoelastic functions such as storage and loss moduli of the hydro gel at the water interface were discussed. Based on these results, it was claimed that the energy dissipation due to dangling chains in the interfacial region with water is related to the friction behavior of the gel. We finally discussed the relationship between the aggregation states and dynamics of the hydrogel interface and the platelet adhesion on it. We hope that the above-mentioned results are useful to design and construct polymer materials functioned at the water interface.

Free Research Field

高分子化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究はハイドロゲル界面に着目しながらも、液体界面、特に、良溶媒界面における高分子研究と捉えており、他のゲル研究とは一線を画している。また、「ゲル表面は擬ブラシ構造である」という結論は、我が国が得意とするゲル研究とポリマーブラシ研究を繋ぐことが出来、その波及効果は極めて大きい。本研究で得られる成果は、高分子物理化学へ貢献できることはもちろん、表面・界面科学や材料科学にも大きなインパクトを与える。また、本成果は、ライフ・グリーンイノベーションに資する機能性ナノ材料創製へも繋がることから、社会経済へも貢献できると期待する。