Description:

Webinar

Optimizing Polymer Synthesis and Advanced Material Processes with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Prof. Rigoberto Advincula

University of Tennessee

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Webinar at 6:00 PM Pacific time

Abstract

Synthesis chemistry has long benefited from automation, mainly through combinatorial methods and flow reaction synthesis. In flow reaction chemistry, chemical reaction engineering models and methods can control reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, leading to higher yields and unique reaction pathways. Polymer materials provide unique application opportunities for composites, nanocomposites, high-temperature thermoplastics, and hybrid materials where additive manufacturing or 3D printing has shown convergence between design principles and thermo-mechanical property optimization. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) can optimize material synthesis routes and advanced manufacturing processes. Large language models (LLMs) and continuous flow reaction chemistry will enable unit-operation optimization and autonomous machine learning with self-driving laboratories (SDL). We discuss the augmented use of AI/ML in flow reaction chemistry, assays, and the 3D printing of nanocomposites for lightweight, high-strength applications with sensors. With AI/ML and SDLs, we demonstrate the path to autonomous experimental stations and system optimization. Our data includes small-molecule synthesis, nanoparticle grafting, and controlled polymerization methods. By developing AI/ML workflows and digital twins, we can connect agentic AI with physical AI in both chemistry and materials synthesis. Several examples of these will be described.

Speaker Background

Rigoberto Advincula is a Governor’s Chair Professor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee. He is also a Group Leader at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), ORNL. His areas of expertise include organic and polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, coatings, flow chemistry and reaction engineering, additive manufacturing, and biomaterials. He has led major projects, including a machine learning (ML)-driven autonomous self-driving lab at ORNL and advanced nanocomposite manufacturing with the DOE.

Prof. Advincula is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the American Chemical Society (ACS), both the PMSE and POLY Divisions of ACS, the Materials Research Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).  He was the Netzsch 2023 Fellow of the North American Thermal Analysis Society (NATAS), and is the current President of NATAS. In 2024, he received the International Prize of the Society of Polymer Science of Japan (SPSJ), and recently received the 2026 George Stafford Whitby Award from the ACS Rubber Division.

He has been appointed to the World Economic Forum, Advanced Materials Council, and is a member of the Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology (BCST) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).  He has held several visiting Professor positions, including Waseda University in Japan and the Max Planck Institute for Polymers (MPI-P) Research in Germany.

He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Florida and held postdoctoral positions at the MPI-P and Stanford University. In addition to his research interests, he is passionate about mentoring students and establishing interdisciplinary STEM programs.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 1:00 PM.

Registration may close earlier than the nominal deadline if capacity is reached.

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Webinar Timing: 6:00 PM.

(Zoom meeting room will open earlier)

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