Materials and Chemistry

Contributing to industrial competitiveness enhancement by synergistic interaction between materials and chemical technologies

We are developing technologies to enhance added value of functional chemicals, and to realize practical use of new materials, with strengthening value chains of materials through synergistic interaction between materials and chemical technologies in mind. Thus, we are aiming to contribute to the primary materials and chemical industries.

New Research Results

Intrinsic High Elasticity in Pristine Glass via Melt-Quenching

Dr. Hirokazu Masai of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed a highly elastic pristine oxide glass using the conventional melt-quenching method. The transparent glass exhibits both high elastic modulus and thermal stability, making it suitable for vitrification and optical fiber drawing.

AI-Guided Optimization of Carbon Nanotube Dispersion Processes

As researchers at AIST, we have developed a method for obtaining high-quality carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions to form highly conductive CNT thin films.
Devices that leverage the high conductivity of CNTs are increasingly being used in industry as electrodes in touch panels and solar panels. In the wet manufacturing method, which involves coating a substrate with a CNT solution, the dispersion of the CNTs in the solution determines the performance of the device. However, achieving defect-free CNT dispersion is not easy. To create CNT solutions with high dispersibility and properties tailored to the type of device being manufactured, it is important to select the appropriate solvents and dispersants. It is also important to use a dispersion process that does not rely on methods such as ultrasonic treatment because these methods may induce defects in the CNTs.
Here, we developed a method to optimize the dispersion process of CNTs using the wet method. This method integrates various analytical techniques, including AI technology (specifically machine learning), molecular dynamics simulations, and solubility parameters. Using this method, we successfully fabricated a transparent, conductive CNT film whose performance is comparable to that of the dry method. This demonstrates the applicability of this technology to low-cost, large-area CNT thin film manufacturing processes, like printing and coating. It is expected to expand the range of industrial applications for CNTs such as transparent conductive films and next-generation battery materials.
Details of this research will be published in Advanced Functional Materials on January 21, 2026.

AI-Guided Optimization of CNT Dispersion Processes

Research Unit

Other research organizations

Research Laboratory

• Adhesion and Interfacial Phenomena Research Laboratory

Open Innovation Laboratory

Since FY 2016, as a part of the “Open Innovation Arena concept” promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), AIST has created the concept of “open innovation laboratories” (OILs), collaborative research bases located on university campuses, and has been engaged in their provision. We are planning to establish more than ten OILs by FY 2020.

AIST will merge the basic research carried out at universities, etc. with AISTʼs goal-oriented basic research and applied technology development, and will promote bridging research and evelopment and industry by the establishment of OILs.

Cooperative Research Laboratories

In order to conduct research and development more closely related to strategies of companies, we have established collaborative research laboratories, bearing partner company names.

Partner companies provide their researchers and funding, and AIST provides research resources, such as its researchers, research facilities, and intellectual property. The loaned researchers of companies and AIST researchers jointly conduct research and development.

By setting up cooperative research laboratories, we will accelerate the commercialization of our goal-oriented basic research and application research with partner companies.