A decorative image that spells out “AI” (Image source: Neeqolah Creative Works via Unsplash; cropped)
In a new development, researchers have used an AI model to discover molecules that make plastics about four times tougher. This discovery holds the potential for longer-lasting materials, which will help reduce plastic waste.
With the help of an AI model, a team of scientists has come up with a new way of toughening plastic. The team — made up of researchers from MIT and Duke University — used a machine learning model to discover an additive that, when used with a polymer, makes it become much more resistant to tearing.
The discovery was published in ACS Central Science on August 1. The foundation of this discovery lies in a counterintuitive discovery contained in a study published earlier — incorporating weak links into a polymer’s chemical structure can make the material stronger overall. This is because a propagating crack is forced to break many more of these weak bonds instead of tearing through a uniform material, thereby dissipating more energy. However, the researchers had a big challenge to overcome — picking the perfect ‘weak link’ among thousands of potential candidates.
To solve this problem, the researchers employed a machine learning model. They trained the model on computational data from about 400 iron-containing compounds called ferrocenes. The resulting model was able to predict the properties of thousands of other ferrocenes in a short while, picking out the best candidates.
The researchers then synthesized a plastic using one of the AI’s top picks, resulting in a polymer four times tougher than polymers made with a standard crosslinker.
If you make materials tougher, that means their lifetime will be longer. They will be usable for a longer period of time, which could reduce plastic production in the long term. — Ilia Kevlishvili, the study’s lead author.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 98 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.