国際会議「Tokyo Paper 2015」に見る製紙科学の最前線

摘要

本シリーズの主題の一部であるパラダイムシフトを乗り越え次のステップに進むにはイノべーションが必要だが，イノベーションの基本にあると考えられている科学の基礎研究という問題を本稿では捉え，かつシリーズの締めく くりとしたい.本年秋に東京大学農学部のキヤンパスで製紙科学の2大基礎分野といえる製紙化学と製紙物理学を内容とし，「Tokyo Paper 2015」と命名した国際会議が行われた.筆者は本国際会議を構成する2つの国際会議において，いずれも過去に講演を行つた経験があり，研究の現場を離れて相当時間が経過したが，基礎研究の最前線でどのようなことが行われているのかを探ってみようという好奇心から参加すると同時に講演も行った.%This final paper of this series introduces a recent international conference named "Tokyo Paper 2015" held at the campus of the University of Tokyo from October 29th to November 1.The conference consists of two conferences, i.e., the "9th International Paper and Coating Chemistry Symposium (IPCCS) " and "International Paper Physics Conference (IPPC) ". The particular attention in this paper was paid to the latter conference(Paper Physics). Overall contents are described in the following categories. (1) Introduction The main subject of this series is "Paradigm Shift" and that to go further upto the next step requires "Innovation". Since the fundamental research is the base of innovation, this final paper deals with a recent international conference dealing with fundamental resarch in papermaking, i.e., paper science. (2) Outline of "Tokyo Paper 2015" The conference was hosted by the Laboratory of Paper Science, University of Tokyo. The main educational and teaching staff are Professor A. Isogai and Associate professor T.Saito. The head of the executive committee was Professor Isogai. The students of the laboratory made concentrated efforts to tackle the issues associated with the conference i.e., managing work of the conference as well as presentations of students's resarch work. Practical business affairs were commissioned to an outer organization, i.e., Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. (3) A framework for assessing "Paper Physics" With a view to refer in assessing each presentation, the author has proposed a reference model of 'Taper Physics" based on the author's past experience and knowledge. (4) Present status of "Paper Physics Research" as seen in "Tokyo Paper 2015" The overall presentation in the conference consists of 33 oral presentations and 5 poster presentations. The outline of each presentation is only briefly described. (5) A brief assessment of the contents of "'International Paper Physics Conference" Innovative theoretical developments were not found in the conference. Since fundamental theories in paper physics such as those by Van den Akker, Nissan, Core & Kallmes, and Page were proposed more than 50 years ago and still in large part valid, it is not easy task to propose innovative and revolutionary theories. However, there appears germination of new theories in introducing cellulose nanoscience into conventional cellulose network theories. A variety of newly developed IT based instruments for visualization of phenomena such as heat imaging and X-ray tomography will help further insights into the structure and behavior of paper and paper composites. The author's overall impressions on the two conferences is "dominance by cellulose nano fiber science". The motivation for this is probably big finances as well as researcher's scientific curiosities. (6) Epilogue In concluding this series, the author would like to express his sincere appreciation for reader's sustainable patience. Under the population declining society of Japan, botn in industry and academic areas, the personal concern for only inside Japan will not lead to one's success. The author expects the readers to broaden their fields of vision and tackle the problems ahead of them from global perspectives.