Event Type:
MSE Grad Presentation
Date:
Talk Title:
Polymer informatics advancements to accelerate the design of sustainable packaging materials
Location:
MRDC Room 3515
Event Link:
https://shorturl.at/AxlD0

Committee:

Dr. Rampi Ramprasad- School of Materials Science and Engineering (advisor)

Dr. Guoxiang (Emma) Hu - School of Materials Science and Engineering

Dr. Karl Jacob- School of Materials Science and Engineering

Dr. Ryan Lively- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 

Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan- Kimberly-Clark

 

Abstract:

The advent of polymers sparked immediate innovation in design, especially in the realm of packaging materials, which constitute a significant portion of contemporary polymer usage. While revolutionizing day-to-day life, this blueprint lacked rigorous end-of-life planning, contributing to long-term environmental challenges we face today. Current research aims to develop polymers that address both present needs and end-of-life scenarios, facilitating a shift towards a sustainable circular economy. Polymers that are recyclable through methods like chemical depolymerization or biodegradation hold promise in addressing these concerns, yet they often lack the necessary properties for effective packaging performance. In recent times, materials informatics methods have achieved remarkable strides, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of tailored materials design and materials property predictions. This proposed research aims to develop and utilize polymer informatics methods to help accelerate traditional research for the design of sustainable polymers with a specific focus on improving barrier properties— a critical component for high-performance packaging. Design algorithms will be employed to expand the known space of recyclable polymers and explore renewable resources as starting materials for synthesis.  To effectively navigate this evolving space, machine learning models will be developed alongside simulations to predict relevant properties related to packaging applications. In harnessing the power of polymer informatics, this research endeavor aims to forge a path toward a more sustainable future by closing the loop on polymer designs, and effectively addressing critical environmental challenges.