Technology
A technique to accurately measure the relationship between the distance & the magnitude of interaction forces on the surfaces of two substances
By using the "surface force measurement method," it is possible to analyze the interactions and interfacial structures between substances at the molecular level
①Explanation of Surface force measurement、②Apparatus used in the lab
Strength
- 1 . The ability to accurately measure viscosity even with "ultra-small" samples
-
2
.
The ability to measure friction between substances at the nano level
Through friction measurements, it has become possible to measure, evaluate, and understand the mechanisms of material properties such as "viscosity," "lubricity," and "tactile sensation," which were previously very difficult or even impossible to measure
Use Case
① Ultra-micro Viscosity Meter for Drug Injection Solutions
Traditional viscometers require sample volumes in the milliliter range, making them unsuitable for rare and expensive samples. This posed a significant economic burden, particularly in viscosity adjustments for drug injection solutions, where preparing milliliter-level samples was costly. By utilizing this technology, measurements can be performed with an ultra-small sample volume of 5–10 µL (microliters), which is 1/1000th of the previously required amount, greatly improving cost efficiency
②―
A: Product Development through Understanding the Mechanism of Viscosity Generation in Thickeners
By using surface force measurement apparatus to analyze and understand the mechanism by which viscosity is generated in calcium carbonate thickeners for sealant applications, the technology contributed to the development of products with a strong competitive edge in viscosity performance. As a result, this led to a significant increase in market share in
Europe
②―
B: Analyzing the Competitive Advantage of Lubricating Oil Performance
High-performance lubricating oils are a critical factor in extending the lifespan of mechanical components, but evaluating their lubricating effects has been challenging, making it difficult to disclose information to customers. By utilizing this technology to quantitatively visualize lubricating performance, it became possible to clearly demonstrate competitive advantages
②―
C: Visualizing Competitive Advantage through Evaluation of Snow-Sliding Coating Products
Snow-sliding coating products (e.g., ski waxes and snow-melting coatings for roof snow removal) lacked an evaluation method to demonstrate their "snow-sliding performance" superiority over competing products. By using this technology to quantitatively visualize performance, it has become possible to clearly highlight competitive advantages
②―
D: Optimization of Friction in Micro Screw Feeder Conveyance Rails
In automatic screw feeders, ensuring stable conveyance of aligned micro screws was challenging with conventional rails. To achieve stable conveyance, it was necessary to finely adjust the friction coefficient between the screws and the rails. By analyzing the subtle friction coefficients based on the material and processing method of the rails using this technology, it has become possible to design and produce optimal conveyance rails
②―
E: Development of Moisturizers with a Smooth Sensation
By using this technology to understand the mechanisms behind the tactile sensations of moisturizers, such as "rich" or "light" feelings, it contributed to the development of cosmetic products with a smooth and pleasant texture
Message from the Lab
What I want to know
Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials
Tohoku University
Prof. Kazue Kurihara
New Utilization Ideas for Technology that measures material friction and its propertie
- As demonstrated in the use cases, this technology has a wide range of applications and can solve various challenges depending on the needs it is combined with
- We welcome flexible ideas, whether they involve addressing everyday problems, exploring curiosities, or creating new products
Desired Candidate Profile
- Researchers in specific fields looking for precise measurement methods for "lubricity, viscosity, and tactile sensation
- Individuals with new business ideas involving the measurement and optimization of "lubricity, viscosity, and tactile sensation
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