Themed collection Celebrating materials science in Japan

A polymer material shows phase separation-induced glass transition under critical miscible conditions, where the miscible/immiscible state is altered by temperature variations predicted by temperature-corrected Hansen solubility parameters.

The CO₂ release behavior, i.e., “post-gelation condition,” affects the degree of cross-linking, an essential parameter for determining hydrogel properties.

Optically driven ferroelectric polarization reversal and its dynamics are observed in hydrogen-bonded organic ferroelectrics on a scale of about 10 ps.

Polarization holography has emerged as a promising technique for high-density data storage, security, and optical communication applications.

In this study, we examined the modification of polylactic acid (PLA) plates and powders using a photo-activated chlorine dioxide (ClO₂˙) treatment.

The newly developed fluorenone-based donor–acceptor–donor triads formed supramolecular organogels in appropriate solvents. The stimuli-responsive behaviours in solution as well as in supramolecular gels of the fluorenone derivatives were clarified.

Lignocellulosic biomass was converted into plastic- and paper-like films via solubilization in formic acid without using ball milling and added catalysts. The formylated cell wall components were reassembled after casting.

We controlled N doping and expansion of the conjugated system in polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based SERS substrates by varying the pyrolysis temperature.

Time-multiplexed chiroptical information was systematically produced by the multi-layered luminescence-based CP convertors comprising two LPL films with different PL spectral profiles and different PL lifetimes.

Original analysis methods of the electron spin resonance revealed that nearly three-dimensional Dirac fermions coexistent with standard fermions in an organic charge-transfer complex with each temperature-dependence and rotation symmetry.

Development of Cu–12.8Si–20Al/Al₂O₃ core–shell micro-encapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) via a dry synthesis mechanical impact technique.

π-Conjugated polymer films electrically polymerized in cholesteric liquid crystals under a magnetic field form a helical interchain stacking structure and exhibit uniaxial orientation. The polymers with phenoxy radical show paramagnetic behavior.

SiO has been extensively studied as a high-capacity negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

Debonding-on-demand adhesives were designed by fabricating photochemical reversible bonds and using dynamic polymer cleavage and flow generation mechanisms.