Radboud University Pioneers Bio-Based Material Transition with AI

Researchers at Radboud University are leading an innovative effort to transition from fossil fuel-based materials to sustainable bio-based alternatives. This initiative, part of the Big Chemistry programme, aims to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional chemical products, which often depend on non-renewable resources.

The urgency for this transition stems from the widespread use of fossil-derived substances in everyday products such as medicines, plastics, soap, and paint. To expedite this shift, Radboud chemists are collaborating with companies and employing advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their research.

Understanding the Challenge of Material Transition

The transition from fossil-based to bio-based materials presents significant challenges. As noted by Wilhelm Huck, professor of physical-organic chemistry at Radboud University, maintaining the quality of products while replacing raw materials is crucial. The complexity arises from the need to optimize not just individual molecules, but mixtures of them. Huck emphasizes, “We can greatly accelerate that search with our robots and models.”

Chemistry often involves non-additive interactions, meaning the behavior of mixtures can be unpredictable. For instance, combining two substances does not necessarily yield results that are a straightforward average of their individual effects. Huck elaborates, “The number of possible interactions increases rapidly, especially when considering that suppliers can provide tens of thousands of components.”

Three Key Research Projects

In the autumn of 2023, three projects received funding through the National Growth Fund to explore the properties of bio-based materials. Led by Huck, Mathijs Mabesoone, and Peter Korevaar, these projects focus on paints, soaps, and polymers.

Peter Korevaar’s work with Van Wijhe Verf aims to develop bio-based paints that meet specific performance criteria, such as waterproofing and stability. “If you try to design based on new, bio-based ingredients, you need a lot of experimental data,” Korevaar remarks.

Mabesoone’s collaboration with Croda International investigates the cleaning properties of soaps. He explains that the effectiveness of soap mixtures can vary dramatically, which complicates predictions. To tackle this, the research will generate a comprehensive database to refine predictive models.

The third initiative focuses on polymers, which are large molecules prevalent in many products. Huck points out that existing data for polymers is often insufficient for accurate theoretical calculations. Collaborating with TNO and Van Loon Chemical Innovations, the team aims to gather more data to train AI models for improved predictions.

Robotic Innovations Driving Research

A central element of these projects is the use of robotics to collect vast amounts of data efficiently. Currently, researchers are utilizing compact robots that can conduct experiments autonomously. By testing and mixing various samples, these robots help identify optimal combinations while generating valuable data.

Mabesoone describes the process: “You supply such a robot with a few samples of basic solutions, and then it tests, mixes, and measures. The robot decides which samples yield the best results, allowing us to obtain extensive data from minimal input.”

Impact on Consumers and Future Products

As the research progresses, consumers may wonder how these developments will affect the products they use. Huck reassures that while some changes may go unnoticed, the long-term goal is to produce items that are not only effective but also more biodegradable. “If we do it right, you won’t notice much. The good products will be more often biodegradable,” he says.

The implications of this research extend beyond mere sustainability. With the potential to discover new properties through advanced combinations, the future of chemical products may be brighter and more environmentally friendly than ever. The ongoing work at Radboud University illustrates a significant step towards a more sustainable materials landscape, blending innovation with ecological responsibility.