English Abstract

Realizing Ultra-Thin and Flexible Tough Polymers: Development of Innovative Polymers for Automobile

Kohzo ITOU
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2019),92(9),319-324 General Review in Japanese

Integrating cutting-edge facilities and advanced chemistry, we have developed SHINAYAKA (flexible and tough) polymers based on novel molecular concept strengthening polymers in ImPACT (Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies) Program by CAO (Cabinet Office), Government of Japan. To achieve difficult targets, we adopted novel matrix management system for Industry-University Corporation to make up a dream team for polymers to industrialize beyond conventional collaboration between industry and university. Specifically, a company is assigned as each project manager and connected with various technologies from different universities. In addition, we clarified novel molecular bonding mechanisms to yield tough polymers and develop innovative structural materials for automobile. As a final goal, we constructed a concept car with developed SHINAYAKA polymers to verify concepts toughening various polymers and demonstrate lightness and safety by applying SHINAYAKA polymers to vehicles.

Keywords: Tough Polymer, Concept Car, Industry-University Corporation, Fracture Mechanism, Crack Propagation