From left, Dr. Junko Morikawa, Dr. Christoph Schick and Dr. Yuji Wada, Dean of School of Materials and Chemical Technology

<Brief introduction of collaborative research and aims at Tokyo Tech WRHI>

Thermophysical properties

The research of my group as well as the group of Prof. Junko Morikawa at Tokyo Tech WRHI is focused on thermophysical properties of different materials. Over the last 20 years our common interests are on thermal wave spectroscopy and later on fast thermal processes. Even we followed different routes in our research there are always very fruitful and productive joint activities. Particular since our first experiments combining fast infrared thermography, developed at Tokyo Tech, with chip based non-adiabatic fast scanning calorimetry, developed at Rostock University, we were able to contribute to a better understanding of fast thermal processes in polymers and metals. Both groups are active in very interdisciplinary environments and our interests span from polymers over low molecular mass compounds including biological molecules to metals and ceramics. The phenomena we are studying includes the glass transition, crystallization and melting of these divers materials as well as processes like evaporation and sublimation of biomolecules and other thermally labile compounds.

Combining the expertise in fast infrared thermography at Tokyo Tech with our expertise in fast scanning calorimetry will help to answer questions, so far not accessible, because of the limited thermal stability of the studied substances. We expect a better understanding of melting, crystallization, evaporation and sublimation processes of complex molecules like amino acids, peptides, proteins or drugs by measuring thermophysical properties by in situ combined calorimetric and thermographic techniques.

I am very excited to have this unique opportunity to interface with WRHI researchers. I have ongoing collaborations with Prof. Morikawa on the measurement of thermophysical properties of a wide spread selection of materials that I wish to develop further during my appointment.

<Collaborative Researcher>

Dr. Junko Morikawa(Professor, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Tech)