Graph Neural Networks for Polymer Characterization and Property Prediction: Opportunities and Challenges

Using machine learning to accelerate the characterization and prediction of properties of many-molecule systems, such as polymers, is appealing, yet challenging. Polymers are large, complex molecules that have unique properties and potential applications in a wide range of industries. Their potential in advancing fields such as ion-transport polymer for energy storage, lightweighting of structural materials, bioinspired multifunctional materials, etc., provide enough impetus for accelerating the discovery of novel polymeric materials. However, mathematical mapping and the consequent manipulation of polymer structures are still challenging tasks due to their complex configuration and the smorgasbord of motifs encountered naturally and in engineering materials. Traditional methods of polymer structure mapping and property prediction at multiscale domains can include approaches such as Density Functional Theory, Molecular Dynamics, and Finite Element Analysis, which can be time-consuming and computationally expensive. The promise of machine learning to accelerate these tasks is appealing, and currently, researchers are pursuing the development of architectures and composition approaches to accomplish this. Here we discuss the current state of the knowledge on the use of Graph Neural Networks, and related architectures, being developed and/or used for the characterization and prediction of properties of polymers. Many challenges still exist such as the lack of sufficient and comprehensive data sets. To address these issues, efforts are being pursued─such as the so-called <i>CRIPT</i> (Community Resource for Innovation in Polymer Technology) led by a lab consortium that includes representations from private industry, academia, government, and others. We conclude that even though this field is young it has both momentum and promise. The current challenges that must be overcome are also addressed.