Laboratory

Laboratory of Transformational Soft Matter

Transformational research to create new functional materials from a basic understanding of polymer gels
Research Theme
Understanding Friction Using Gels as a Model / Analysis of the Internal Structure of Gels by Donnan Potential Measurements / Creation of Soft Composites with Unique Mechanical Properties / Biomaterials Investigation and Development
Research Keywords

Polymer gel, Double network gel, Friction of gel, Artificial cartilage, Cell culture substrate, Soft composite material, Adsorption and adhesion, Donnan potential

Staff

Overview of Research and Education

We create functional polymer hydrogels, understand the mechanism of their functions, and use the knowledge obtained as a guideline for designing new functional gels. By repeating the cycle of creating even more highly functional materials, we can enhance the usefulness of polymer gel materials as if climbing a spiral staircase. In the middle of the spiral staircase, some technologies lead to biomaterials and new physical property measurement methods, which lead to the exit for “real world” applications. In our laboratory, you can learn about topics ranging from fundemental basics of materials to cutting-edge applications through gel research. Examples of research themes that traverse this range include understanding fundamentals of friction, wear, and fatigue; developing double-network gels with toughness exceeding natural cartilage; and creation and physical property analysis of gels for therapeutic use. The culmination in this work leads to the development of tough soft composite materials with the potential for applied use, and a real impact on society.

Laboratory of Transformational Soft Matter (pdf)

Charge

Contact

Address
〒001-0021
Frontier Research Center for Advanced Material and Life Science 3F,
Kita 21 Nishi 11, Sapporo
Phone
011-706-9018
Fax
011-706-9018
Email
kurokawa*sci.hokudai.ac.jp (Please replace*with @ when sending e-mail.)

Representative Publications

S. Hirayama, T. Kurokawa*, J. P. Gong, “Non-Linear Rheological Study of Hydrogel Sliding Friction in Water and Concentrated Hyaluronan Solution,” Tribology International, 147, 106270 (7 pages) (2020).

H. Guo, W. Hong, T. Kurokawa, T. Matsuda, Z. L. Wu, T. Nakajima, M. Takahata, T. L. Sun, P. Rao, J. P. Gong, “Internal Damage Evolution in Double-Network Hydrogels Studied by Microelectrode Technique,” Macromolecules, 52(18), 7114-7122 (2019).

H. Guo, T. Kurokawa, M. Takahata, W. Hong, Y. Katsuyama, F. Luo, J. Ahmed, T. Nakajima, T. Nonoyama, J.P. Gong, Quantitative Observation of Electric Potential Distribution of Brittle Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels Using Microelectrode Technique, Macromolecules, 49 (2016) 3100-3108.

W. Cui, D. R. King, Y. Huang, L. Chen, T. L. Sun, Y. Guo, Y. Saruwatari, C. Y. Hui, T. Kurokawa, Jian Ping Gong*, “Fiber-reinforced Viscoelastomers Show Extraordinary Crack Resistance that Exceeds Metals,” Advanced Materials, 32(31), 1907180 (9 pages) (2020).

Y. Huang, D. R. King, W. Cui, T. L. Sun, H. Guo, T. Kurokawa, H. R. Brown, C.Y. Hui, J. P. Gong, “Superior Fracture Resistance of Fiber Reinforced Polyampholyte Hydrogels Achieved by Extraordinarily Large Energy-dissipative Process Zones,” Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 7(22), 13431-13440 (2019).

D. R. King*‡, T. Okumura‡, R. Takahashi, T. Kurokawa, Gong, J. P.* “Macroscale Double Networks: Design Criteria for Optimizing Strength and Toughness.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 2019, 11 (38): 35343-35353.