東レリサーチセンター Company Overview

The properties of deformation and flow of materials around us are complex, making representation in elasticity and fluid mechanics difficult. On the other hand, rheology is the science of deformation and flow, and it can systematically express the complex properties of materials, such as "plastics that are solid at room temperature can be melted and shaped at high temperatures" and "mayonnaise that comes out of a tube retains its shape and does not flow, but mixes easily without resistance when stirred with a spoon." Rheological measurements, represented by viscoelasticity, have become highly versatile and relatively easy to perform, but for inexperienced beginners, there are often challenges in the procedures and interpretations needed to obtain reliable data. This course will focus on polymer materials, explaining the basic concepts of rheology and introducing specific measurement and analysis examples.

When we look around us, we see that various areas such as housing, home appliances, automobiles, miscellaneous goods, and sports equipment are overflowing with many plastic materials like synthetic fibers, films, bottles, and resin products. However, 100 years ago, the concept of polymer materials as we know it today—specifically, the idea of polymers (macromolecules) connected by covalent bonds—had not yet been established. Therefore, it can be said that in just under a century, numerous plastic materials with a variety of characteristics have been developed and rapidly integrated into our lives. Due to the short history and the diversity of materials, we sometimes encounter various challenges when dealing with plastic materials, but the role of analytical technicians in solving these issues is significant. In this second installment of the applied series, following the previous foundational edition, we will explain polymer multiphase materials (such as polymer alloys, compounds, and resin composites) and molding techniques, as well as environmental challenges surrounding plastic materials, in order to enhance their practical value.

In recent years, analytical techniques have advanced significantly, allowing for detailed observation and analysis of phenomena in the very small world of nanometers (1 nanometer = one billionth of a meter). As a result, our understanding of the distribution of atoms and molecules within materials, as well as the mechanisms of chemical reactions, has deepened considerably. However, it remains challenging to fully elucidate the complex interactions between atoms and molecules and the mechanisms of chemical reactions through experiments alone. One effective approach to address these challenges is a computational method known as "molecular simulation." In this course, we will clearly introduce three commonly used methods of molecular simulation—"quantum chemistry calculations," "first-principles calculations," and "molecular dynamics simulations"—along with their overviews and specific calculation examples. We invite you to experience the new research possibilities that emerge from combining cutting-edge analytical techniques with computer simulations.