School of Materials and Chemical Technology

My concept of solids was pretty obscure when I first started studying my discipline. However, by taking a look at solids at atomic and molecular levels, I have been able to grasp their nature and see the potential of materials development. Furthermore, learning about the theoretical derivations of material properties and how they have changed over time made me appreciate the long history of my discipline's scientific endeavor. When I graduate, I hope to get involved in developing new materials and improving manufacturing processes.

I really had a love for physics, and initially entered the First Academic Group of the School of Science, but then I felt that the School of Engineering was better for studying practical matters. Some more re-thinking led me to transfer to the Department of Inorganic Materials in the Second Academic Group, in which I was leaning toward physics as it also covers studies about the environment and energy. One advantage of Tokyo Tech was that it allowed me to decide after the first year whether the department I selected was a good fit, or whether I wanted to change to another in the second year. Once I entered the Department of Inorganic Materials, I delighted in learning about materials and mechanisms close at hand, like electronic materials, glass, and metals, as well as energy and the environment. In my research, I focus on the preparation of new substances to improve electrical characteristics by substituting oxygen with nitrogen in materials used for capacitors. I find many people at Tokyo Tech are genial, and the professors are passionate in their support. Another part of Tokyo Tech's appeal is the emphasis on pedagogy for capable, talented individuals around the world. Certain classes train people in leadership, and native English-speaking professors provide instruction in English. There are many opportunities to meet international students, with many places provided for social interaction.

*1

The abovementioned School of Science, School of Engineering, and Department of Inorganic Materials are student affiliations for those who entered in 2015 or earlier. For details on the education system in 2016 and onward, please see the following webpage.

*2

Students admitted in 2018 or earlier do so under Academic Groups, but those entering in 2019 and onward instead will enroll in a School.

Cellulose-nanofiber (CNF) reinforced composite materials have garnered a lot of interest in recent years, and are expected to be effective in solving environmental issues. Through structural analysis and physical properties evaluation, I look at reinforcement mechanisms of fibers created with high-speed melt spinning of resin containing CNF. Detailed theoretical analysis, which was previously difficult to do, has become possible for composite materials with the creation of their fibers. I find it interesting that we now have the ability to elucidate these reinforcement mechanisms.

My major offers a lot of courses in polymers. Learning about polymer reaction processes has enabled me to gain insight into the properties and regularity of polymers and to deepen my understanding of polymeric materials that are found in everyday life. When I first started university, I only had a vague idea of what chemistry is, but that has since changed through taking the wide range of courses that are available. I have now found a field in which I am interested. After furthering my studies in foundational fields, I intend to go on to do cutting-edge research.

My research involves ABA triblock copolymers containing liquid-crystalline polymers, and their micro phase-separation structures. Copolymers form microstructures that were previously unknown due to the competition between properties of the liquid crystal that prefer to order themselves in alignment and properties of the polymers that prefer a random state. I find it extremely interesting to clarify how their microstructures, which are too small to be seen, are formed based on their polymer characteristics, X-ray measurements, and other analyses.