A novel waterborne epoxy curing agent was synthesized by aza-Michael addition reaction of N, N'methylenebisacrylamide and m-xylylenediamine, and its amine values were evaluated by titration. First, by the use of mono, di, and trihexylamine were used as model compounds for titration, amine value of these compounds could be quantified with sufficient accuracy. Next, titration of the synthesized water-soluble amine hardeners was performed, and the primary, secondary, and tertiary amine values and active hydrogen equivalents were evaluated. Furthermore, cured films of the curing agent and waterborne epoxy resin were prepared and their water resistance was evaluated. As a result, the cured films showed high water resistance, and the smoothness of the films was maintained even after 168 hours of impregnation.

After obtaining a phenolic oligomer by the reaction of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene with 4,4'-difluorobenzophenone, an epoxidation reaction was performed to synthesize a naphthalene based epoxy resin having an ether ether ketone (EEK) structure. As a result of evaluating the physical properties of the cured polymer using phenol novolac as a curing agent, the glass transition temperature was 174℃, which was 25℃ higher than that of benzene based epoxy resin having an EEK structure. It was also confirmed that the incorporation of a naphthalene skeleton in addition to the EEK structure caused low thermal expansion and high thermal decomposition stability.

The interaction of poly(2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropane sulfonate)s (PAMPSs), which were randomly modified and end-modified with hydrophobic moieties, with nonionic, cationic, and anionic surfactants was investigated by a fluorescence spectroscopic technique of labeled pyrene. The results indicated that the randomly modified PAMPS bound to the nonionic and cationic surfactants and that the disruption of intrapolymer micelles composed of the polymer chain itself occurred.In contrast, the end-modified PAMPS was bound to the surfactants without disruption of multipolymer aggregates in a comparably low concentration range of the surfactants. The conformation of the polymer-surfactant complex depended on the position of the hydrophobic group in the polymer chains. In the case of the anionic surfactant, the complex formation between the polymers and the surfactants was significantly restricted due to the electrostatic repulsion of anionic sites of the polymer chains and the anionic surfactants.

The functionality of polyurethanes in the electronics and automotive sectors has become more sophisticated these days. For these applications, water resistance and transparency must be controlled. Especially gaskets used in automobiles require high heat resistance. These functions and properties can be optimized by selecting suitable polyols and isocyanates.In particular, the usage of 1,2-polybutadiene and TODI as polyurethane materials is very attractive in these areas. On the other hand, in recent years, there have been calls for the reduction of environmentally hazardous substances from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Environmentally harmful substances should be reduced.In the field of polyurethanes, the market is demanding tin-free catalysts. Instead of these conventionally used catalysts, the replacement with organic titanium and organic zirconium is being driven forward. In this report, we focus on the composition of polyurethanes, which has received increased attention in recent years.

KANEKA CORPORATION is promoting the business development of KANEKA Biodegradable Biopolymer Green Planet^®, a new aterial that is synthesized from renewable carbon resources and is biodegradable in the marine environment as on of the solution to solve the environmental problem caused by conventional plastics. Unlike conventional plastic materials, Green Planet is produced by using microorganisms. We have succeeded in developing polymer property regulation technologies by improving microorganisms that synthesize various types of the Green Planet. Today, Green Planet is beginning to be used in many applications, including straws.