Researchers at Georgia Tech are harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize the field of polymer science, which has given us game-changing materials like Nylon, Teflon, and Kevlar. Led by Professor Rampi Ramprasad, the team is developing AI algorithms to accelerate the discovery of new polymers with specific properties. This summer, two papers in Nature journals highlighted their breakthroughs in designing polymers for energy storage, filtration technologies, and recyclable plastics.
Ramprasad's group has created algorithms that can predict polymer properties before they're even made, and generate new polymers that meet target criteria. Collaborators at institutions like the University of Connecticut have validated these predictions through laboratory synthesis and testing. The team's work has led to significant advancements in fields like energy storage, additive manufacturing, and recyclable materials.
Key players include Professor Ryan Lively from Georgia Tech's School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and researchers from Toyota Research Institute and General Electric. Ramprasad has also co-founded Matmerize Inc., a software startup that provides cloud-based polymer informatics tools to companies across various sectors.
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