Division of Materials Science

Course Title	Subject Title	Faculty	Research Contents
Inorganic and Metallic Functional Materials	Inorganic / composite materials special practice	Prof. Shiomi Kikuchi Prof. Jun Matsuoka Asst. Prof. Hiroshi Miyamura Asst. Prof. Akira Kojima Lecturer Junya Kondoh	Metallic materials field Research on the higher functionality and properties of metallic materials by nano/meso-structure control and application, for example, highly laminated materials, nanostructured materials, crystalline alignment control materials, surface modification by plasma nitridation, hydrogen storage alloy using hydrogen, cell materials, and energy related materials such as hydrogen separation membrane. Ceramic material field For various glass and monocrystal ceramics, research on synthesis including the development of new synthesis methods has been conducted. Based on inorganic chemistry and solid state physics, and by studying structure, phase transition/crystallization behavior, measures to enhance the quality of materials have been explored through the analysis of correlation in properties such as dynamics characteristics and thermal properties.
Inorganic and Metallic Functional Materials	Materials science special research	Prof. Shiomi Kikuchi Asst. Prof. Hiroshi Miyamura
Properties of Polymers and Composites	Inorganic / composite materials special practice	Asst. Prof. Kenji Kikuchi	Polymer and interface science field Polymer and interface science field, which covers the synthesis of radical polymerization new block polymer, functional PVA, various PVA and polymer microsphere using functional polymer as protective colloid, and the applied electrochemistry field, which covers ionic conductive ceramic thin film made by vapor deposition, and precise polymerization by alkaline ion water and ph control have been research topics. Polymer properties field Basic properties of polymer materials, structure (from chemical structure to higher order structure) and properties of polymer have been particularly studied. We are, therefore, trying to create newly functioning materials (low temperature, environment conscious, electron, optical materials, etc.). Research applications in the design of composite materials and applied research on response performance of handiworks have also been implemented.
	Polymer / environmental materials special practice	Prof. Akira Tanaka Lecturer Yoshihiro Yamashita Lecturer Katsuhisa Tokumitsu
	Materials science special research	Prof. Akira Tanaka
Polymer and Environment Chemistry	Polymer / environmental materials special practice	Prof. Hideo Hirohara Asst. Prof. Yoshiaki Shimizu Asst. Prof. Yoshinori Inoue Asst. Prof. Mitsunobu Kitamura Lecturer Satoshi Tanimoto	Polymer materials chemistry field This field has developed catalyst and polymerization which synthesize polymer with precisely controlled structure, has synthesized new liner and multi branched polymers with the chemical reactions of natural polymer such as chitin, and has researched the molecular recognition on biomimetic of the polymers and advanced function useful for environmental conservation. Environmental materials science field The basis and application of biodegradable organic polymer with super function produced by microorganism found in Shiga Prefecture and surrounding area and new microorganism enzyme which has superior asymmetric synthesis function and a few microorganism enzymes important for practical use and ability to hydrolyze low degradablity polymer have been research topics by combining various methods. Materials for environmental improvement field Research has been conducted on recycling technology of polymer materials for environmental conservation and effective use of resources; the prevention of soil-borne diseases for agricultural crops without disturbing ecosystem by using polymer materials that can capture microorganisms alive; and the effective use of ferrite sludge generated from treatment of experimental wastewater.
Polymer and Environment Chemistry	Materials science special research	Prof. Hideo Hirohara