Lignocel Research Co. Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan.

Tatsuko Hatakeyama: Ph.D. Tokyo Institute of Technology. Former professor of Otsuma Women’s University. Major research interest: Polymer Physics. More than 340 publications. Editorial member of J. Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, Japan (1977-1979), Executive editor of J. Fiber Science and Technology, Japan (1993-1995), Regional editor of J. Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (1998-2000). Japanese Committee member of the International Standardization Organization (ISO), TC-61 (1992-2003). Award: the Society of Fiber Science and Technology, Japan (2006).