Major Outcomes
Development of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fibre
A carbon fibre made fro the polyacrylonitrile(PAN) fibre was first developed in our institute. Carbon fibre reinforced plastics are now widely used for golf club shafts and fishing rods, while contributing to the progress in aerospace.
Statistical mechanics on polymer chains
Various kinds of plastics are comprised of different types of polymer chains. The achievement attained by our theoretical prediction on their molecular configurations has highly been evaluated by Dr. Paul J. Flory, a Nobel prize winner. The theory has been applied to the analyses of the helical structures of proteins, attracting the attention of researchers the world over. It has further been developed into a theory relating it with photo-response properties, serving as a theoretical basis for nonlinear optical materials, a modern technique receiving wide interest.
Development of transparent conductive films
Transparent conductive thin films consisting of Indium oxide was realized by the vacuum deposition process, which made great progress in the development of liquid crystal displays. These transparent conducting films are applied also to anti-icer of wind shields for Tohoku Shinkansen bullet trains.
Development of inorganic microcapsule
Microcapsules of spherical shape with the outer walls comprised of inorganic substances have been developed through interface reaction process and have been applied to the production of cosmetics and deodorant.
The institute has achieved a number of great successes in the field of industruial science and technology; ex., developments of gold catalysts and Bi-based high temperature superconduting whiskers, experiment of glass melting in outer space, etc.
by M.Taniguchi, Osaka Natl. Res. Inst.
