東レリサーチセンター List of News Articles

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.

At the Toray Research Center, we offer analysis courses (paid seminars) conducted by experienced instructors. Starting in April 2026, we will launch new services for companies that request analysis, including the "Premium Annual Pass" and the "Premium 10 Sheet Pass." The Premium Pass is designed for multiple courses and multiple participants, targeting the analysis courses scheduled for the 2026 fiscal year (a total of 20 courses).

When we look around us, we see various areas such as housing, home appliances, automobiles, miscellaneous goods, and sports equipment filled with many plastic materials like synthetic fibers, films, bottles, and resin products. However, the concept of modern polymer materials, specifically the idea of polymers (macromolecules) connected by covalent bonds, was not established 100 years ago. Therefore, it can be said that in less than a century, numerous plastic materials with various characteristics have been developed and rapidly integrated into our lives. Due to the short history and the diversity of materials, there are various challenges encountered when dealing with plastic materials, and the role of analytical technicians in solving these challenges is significant. In this course, we will explain important and fundamental points over two sessions, focusing on the field of resin materials, not only for analytical technicians but also for engineers who create products using plastic materials and those who use plastic products to deepen their understanding. In the first session, which is the foundational part, we will discuss the characteristics of representative plastic materials, including molecular structure and physical properties, characteristics and applications, and manufacturing methods, to aid in the understanding of plastic materials.

To determine the structure of organic compounds, it is extremely important to know the molecular weight of the compound, and mass spectrometry is an indispensable method for structural analysis of organic compounds, alongside IR and NMR. However, to perform mass spectrometry, the compound must be ionized, and it is necessary to choose the appropriate ionization method based on the properties and molecular weight of the compound. In this course, we will explain the principles of mass spectrometry, the configuration of the instruments, and various ionization methods, including how to select ionization methods and points to consider when analyzing industrial materials. Furthermore, we will also conduct basic exercises on the analysis of mass spectra.

On June 19, 2026 (Friday), Toray Research Center, Inc. will hold the "Semiconductor and Electronic Materials Poster Session 2026" at the Ota City Industrial Plaza (PiO) Large Hall in Tokyo, Kanto region. This event is primarily aimed at semiconductor device, equipment, and material manufacturers, and will introduce the latest analytical technologies and application examples in the semiconductor and electronic materials field through direct dialogue with researchers. On the day of the event, we plan to have: - 65 poster presentations covering the semiconductor and electronic materials field - Technical lectures focused on advanced devices, packaging, and material evaluation - Free discussions where participants can consult and discuss directly with researchers at the poster presentations ★ Pre-registration (free of charge) is required to participate in this event. On-the-day participation will not be allowed, so please be sure to register in advance via the link on the "Details & Registration" button below. ★ There is no participation fee. We sincerely look forward to your participation. 【Note】 We kindly ask representatives from competing companies to refrain from participating. Thank you for your understanding.