3
Green Chemical Resources Laboratory
Professor / KAWAHARA Seiichi
Assistant Professor / YAMANO Masaki
- Analysis of vulcanization mechanism
- Creation of functional soft materials with nanomatrix structure
- Mass production of protein-free natural rubber
Professor / KAWAHARA Seiichi
Professor Kawahara is a leading figure in the rubber industry. Always smiling and deeply passionate about research, Professor Kawahara treats everyone with kindness and provides thoughtful, constructive advice to each student. His support and encouragement mean a great deal to us.
Research Content
Natural rubber is a raw material that can absorb greenhouse gases and contributes to building a sustainable society. Our laboratory is committed to replacing petrochemical products with natural rubber in order to achieve carbon neutrality. To this end, we are developing new soft materials by taking advantage of the unique nano-island structure of natural rubber. In addition, we conduct detailed analyses of natural rubber to elucidate its properties, using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy for chemical structure analysis and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) as well as focused Ion Beam–Scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) for higher-order structural analysis.
The Sustainable Carbon Cycle of Natural Rubber
A Day in the Lab
In the Kawahara Laboratory, students play a central role in daily lab operations, participating in rule setting, supply management, seminars, event planning, and equipment maintenance. Through these activities, they develop independence and skills that are valuable for their future careers.
Students typically work in the lab from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with flexible schedules to suit individual lifestyles. Seminars are conducted using both English and Japanese materials. Throughout the year, various activities such as cherry blossom viewing, fireworks festivals, and ski trips help strengthen friendships within the laboratory.
Students typically work in the lab from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with flexible schedules to suit individual lifestyles. Seminars are conducted using both English and Japanese materials. Throughout the year, various activities such as cherry blossom viewing, fireworks festivals, and ski trips help strengthen friendships within the laboratory.
Laboratory Members
Thesis Subjects
- (M)Study on the Vulcanization Mechanism of Vulcanized Natural Rubber by NMR Methods
- (M)ARGET-ATRP Graft Copolymerization of Styrene and Methyl Methacrylate onto Natural Rubber
- (M)Effect of Protein on the Structure and Properties of Silica-Blended Natural Rubber Vulcanization
The number of
PhD Graduates
25
Major employers of Graduates
- THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER.,LTD.
- NOK CORP.
- KOKOKU INTECH CO.,LTD
- SUMITOMO RIKO CO.,LTD.
- Chemical Evaluation and Research Inst.
- Fuji Latex Co.,LTD.
- TOEI Chmical Industry Co.,LTD.
- YAMASHITA RUBBER CO.,LTD.
- NISANN CORP.
- OKAMOTO INDUSTRIES,INC.
