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Polymer Interfacial Functions Lab
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The lab explores the structure and properties of polymer surfaces and interfaces at the molecular level.
AboutAbout the lab
Understanding polymer surfaces and interfaces at the molecular level
The Tanaka Lab aims to create new functions by understanding and controlling the structure and properties of organic polymer materials at the molecular level.
As materials become smaller and thinner, surfaces and interfaces account for a larger proportion of the material, and phenomena different from those in the bulk interior appear.
The lab conducts experimental research centered on polymer science, physical chemistry, and surface and interface science.
The lab carries out joint research with companies, research institutions, and universities, and also uses large facilities such as synchrotron radiation and neutron sources when needed.
Key terms
- Bulk
- The three-dimensional state inside a material, as opposed to its surfaces or interfaces
- Interface
- The boundary region where different substances or phases are in contact
- Thin film
- A material formed into a very thin layer
NewsLab news
Research results published in Communications Materials
A master's student received the Excellent Poster Presentation Award at JTBPS2026
Research results published in Langmuir
ResearchResearch themes
Because the energy state at surfaces and interfaces differs from that inside a material, their structure and properties also differ from those of the interior. By accurately understanding and controlling that structure and those properties, the lab aims to enhance the functionality of nanoscale organic polymer materials, and conducts experimental research centered on polymer science, physical chemistry, and surface and interface science.
*Illustrative imageDesigning polymer interfaces
Aiming at materials creation based on precision molecular technology and polymer synthesis, the lab builds polymer interfaces that contribute to life innovation and green innovation by controlling the primary structure of polymers. It is also investigating new surface and interface modifiers that exploit thermodynamically driven enrichment (segregation) phenomena.
*Illustrative imageState and motion of polymer chains at interfaces
The lab aims to clarify, at the molecular level, the aggregation state and thermal motion of polymer chains at interfaces between different phases. It works with single amorphous polymers, polymer alloys, and crystalline polymers, and is also interested in the creation of nanocomposites and in understanding adhesion phenomena.
*Illustrative imageWhere polymers meet living systems
The lab analyzes from a physicochemical perspective the events that occur where synthetic polymers come into contact with living systems such as cells and blood, aiming to build biological control systems based on controlling the properties of polymer interfaces. It is also investigating new green materials made of biopolymers such as DNA and natural rubber.
*Illustrative imageInterfaces in organic devices
For organic devices such as organic field-effect transistors and organic thin-film solar cells, the lab aims to clarify how the aggregation state at interfaces and the thermal mobility of molecular chains relate to the functional characteristics of the devices.
MembersFaculty
The members of the Tanaka Lab consist of faculty, academic researchers, researchers, doctoral, master's, and undergraduate students, technical staff, and administrative assistants.As of 2026
- Senior ProfessorKeiji Tanaka
- ProfessorAtsuomi Shundo
- ProfessorSatoshi Yamamoto
- Associate ProfessorYuma Morimitsu
- Assistant ProfessorRika Marui
- Assistant ProfessorTateki Abe
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Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Polymer–Metal Composite Surface after Mechanical Processing” Aiym Maksatkyzy / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Designing polymer interfaces: “Single Polymer Chains AFM” Yurko / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- State and motion of polymer chains at interfaces: “Styrene-butadiene chain” Gmrozz / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Where polymers meet living systems: “Actin Polymerization (NIH BioArt 597)” Courtesy of NIAID Ryan Kissinger / Public domain (cropped)
- Interfaces in organic devices: “Simtec USB 1.1 Host-Device Interface (bottom)” Chris Whytehead / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Polymer Materials Tribology Lab): “Friction between surfaces” CaoHao / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Tribology and Lubrication Lab): “Zeller + Gmelin - Drylube E1 Hotmelt Lubricant” Sung-Min Wi (Sungminwi) / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
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