Seiichi Uemura

Studies on the early stage of carbonization of petroleum pitch by means of high-temperature 1H-NMR and ESR

Abstract The early stage of carbonization of petroleum pitches has been studied by in-situ, hightemperature 1 H-NMR and ESR techniques. Well-resolved 1 H-NMR spectra were found to provide detailed information about the mesophase formation in the course of pyrolysis. The process of mesophase generation during cooling was clarified by using an ESR spin probe. The nucleation of mesophase embryos in these processes was clearly observed in the both spectra. It was found that the mesophase transformation occurs at nearly the same level of aromatic hydrogen fraction or spin concentration.

Investigation and Research on the Applicability of FGM Technology for Advancement of the Space Solar Power System (SSPS)

The objective of this research is to enhance the economics of the Space Solar Power System (SSPS) which is to supply a large quantity of energy from space to the ground, and which is expected to become operational in 20–30 years. Weight reduction and improvement of the life span of SSPS are needed to reduce transportation and life cycle costs. Related to the SSPS research that has been conducted by JAXA, the present report suggests a new vision for material development applying the FGMs concept, and proposes some concepts of innovative materials in which the advantages of FGMs are fully utilized.