National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Jnc Corporation

Kazunori Ushimaru

Tomotake Morita

Tokuma Fukuoka

There is provided a novel ionic composite material that can be molded into various shapes using lignin sulfonic acid as one of raw materials thereof, and having flexibility and elasticity, to significantly improve the strength and toughness and impart complete biodegradability thereto. It was found that a combination of &#x3b5;-polylysine (&#x3b5;-PL) which is a cationic polymer that is produced by microorganisms and lignin sulfonic acid exhibits excellent strength and toughness. In addition, &#x3b5;-PL used in this technology is a biodegradable polymer that is completely degraded by microorganisms and the like in the environment. Since lignin sulfonic acid is also a biodegradable polymer, it is thought that a complex in which &#x3b5;-PL and lignin sulfonic acid are mixed in this technology will exhibit complete biodegradability, and more applications thereof can be expected when utilizing the strength, durability, and biodegradability thereof in addition to the improved strength and toughness.

Growing community of inventors

Ibaraki, Japan

Kazunori Ushimaru