From diversity to dispersity: Life lessons from polymers
From diversity to dispersity: Life lessons from polymers
"From diversity to dispersity: Life lessons from polymers"
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In this talk, we will discuss the rise of automation in chemical synthesis, and particular polymer synthesis. Flow chemistry methods that allow for complete robotic synthesis are introduced, and data science methods to sort data and to use them to predict future reactions are discussed. While such AI driven synthesis is still in its infancy, first results for self-optimizing polymer reactors, and their application towards creation of diverse set of polymers will be discussed. A central aspect in the design of materials is thereby put on molecular weight distribution control of polymers, since this is a factor that traditional synthesis cannot or only within strict limits achieve. We will explore molecular weight distribution design, and investigate the influence of dispersity on nanoaggregate self assembly of block copolymers.
Next to chemistry, in this talk we will also have a look at equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the chemical academic sector. Based on personal experience, EDI advances are discussed, and some suggestions are made on how to improve the chemical sciences in the future.