Visualize and understand the degradation process of polymers

Visualize and understand the degradation process of polymers

Professor (Department of Organic Materials Science, Department of Polymeric and Organic Materials Engineering)
MATSUNO Hisao

Polymers, also called macromolecules, are huge molecules, but their size is only a few tens of nanometers at most. Although they are very small, when they come together on the order of Avogadro's number and form aggregates, they become large enough to be seen with the naked eye and can be used as materials. Polymer materials are used in a variety of applications, from daily necessities to aircraft materials, but in recent years, as part of their performance, they are required to have the ability to degrade in river and marine environments. To do this, we first need to know the details of the degradation process of polymers. Our group uses atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visually capture polymer degradation reactions that occur on a nanoscale spatial scale and is working to elucidate their mechanisms. The degradation mechanism depending on the orientation of lamellar crystals is becoming clearer, and we are proceeding with research that will lead to the creation of better polymer materials by seeing them.

▲Atomic force microscopy (AFM)

▲AFM images of polymer degradation process