The manufacturer’s efforts here fall under an initiative to develop ultrathin, strong, flexible and tough polymers as part of the Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies (ImPACT) research and development program, which is in turn led by the Japanese Cabinet Office’s Council for Science, Technology and Innovation.
Working toward this initiative, Bridgestone has used what is termed a “double network” structure to boost the strength of rubber materials. This structure was originally proposed as a technique for making tougher polymers by Jian Ping Gong of Hokkaido University, which is also a participant in the ImPACT program.
JST Press Release (2018.6.25) https://www.jst.go.jp/pr/announce/20180625-2/
Global Station for Soft Matter https://gi-core.oia.hokudai.ac.jp/gss/