Paints and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) is teaming up with Microsoft to explore how quantum computing could help fast track the development of high-performance and more sustainable paints and coatings.
Scientists from both parties will co-develop what will effectively be a virtual laboratory. The aim is to conduct experiments using quantum computing and other Microsoft Azure cloud services, and ultimately to speed up the development of new novel catalysts and chemical reactions.
According to AkzoNobel, quantum chemical computation can simulate chemical reactions at an unprecedented level of accuracy. Together, the companies will explore how this can help create more advanced and sustainable products.
The quantum chemistry offers game-changing industrial applications and possibilities, AkzoNobel explains. It could help to overcome many of the practical boundaries associated with traditional laboratory methods—such as the availability of raw materials, physical equipment capacity constraints, toxicity, and environmental conditions.
In turn, it could drastically reduce the time it takes to find substitute ingredients for making products more sustainable, with new functionalities, or for replacing scarce raw materials.
“Combining our track record for pioneering product development with Microsoft’s cloud and quantum computing expertise represents another huge step forward in the digitization of our research,” says Pim Koeckhoven, technology director in research and development.
Source: AkzoNobel, www.akzonobel.com.