Radboud University Innovates with Robots for Bio-Based Materials Transition

Researchers at Radboud University are leading a significant shift from oil-based to bio-based materials in the chemical industry. This initiative involves collaboration with various companies and the use of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of this transition. The aim is to create sustainable alternatives for a range of chemical products, including medicines, plastics, soaps, and paints, which currently rely heavily on fossil fuels.

The move towards a material transition is critical due to the environmental impact of fossil raw materials. According to the Big Chemistry program, which is supported by the National Growth Fund, the challenge lies in replacing these raw materials without compromising the quality of the end products. Wilhelm Huck, a professor of physical-organic chemistry at Radboud University, emphasized the complexity of this task: “You don’t want to optimize the properties of a single molecule, but of a mixture. We can greatly accelerate that search with our robots and models.”

Understanding Chemical Interactions

The intricacies of chemical interactions pose a significant hurdle in this research. Huck explained that chemistry often behaves in a “non-additive” manner. For example, while dissolving sugar in water may yield predictable results, combining two different molecules does not guarantee predictable outcomes. The multitude of interactions between raw materials expands exponentially, making it nearly impossible to investigate every possible combination.

Huck noted that suppliers provide tens of thousands of ingredients for various products, leading to potentially hundreds of millions of interactions. To tackle this, the team is developing predictive models that require extensive data gathered through experiments.

Focused Projects on Paints, Soaps, and Polymers

This autumn, three pivotal projects received funding under the Big Chemistry program. These projects, led by researchers Wilhelm Huck, Mathijs Mabesoone, and Peter Korevaar, will focus on the properties of bio-based raw materials for paints and soaps, among other applications.

Korevaar’s project in collaboration with Van Wijhe Verf aims to reformulate paints traditionally based on oil. Paints must meet various requirements, such as waterproofing and stability, which complicates the transition to bio-based alternatives. “Designing paint with new, bio-based ingredients requires substantial experimental data,” Korevaar explained.

Mabesoone, partnering with Croda International, will explore the cleaning properties of soaps. He highlighted that the same cleaning capacity can manifest at significantly lower concentrations in mixtures, making predictions challenging. The goal is to compile a comprehensive database of measurements to refine predictive models.

The third project delves into the development of bio-based polymers, focusing on large molecules that often exist in mixtures. Huck noted the lack of sufficient data for theoretical calculations in polymer science. Collaborating with TNO and Van Loon Chemical Innovations (VLCI), the team aims to gather more data to enhance AI model predictions.

Leveraging Robotics for Data Collection

An essential component of these projects is the use of robotics to generate vast amounts of unique data. Researchers currently operate small robotic systems that can automate the testing, mixing, and measurement of samples. By optimizing the selection of samples based on initial results, these robots can produce extensive data sets with minimal input.

Mabesoone described the process: “You supply such a robot with a few samples of basic solutions, and it decides which are the best samples to make, allowing us to obtain a lot of data efficiently.”

The Consumer Impact of Research

As the research progresses, consumers may wonder how these developments will affect them. Huck reassured that if successful, the transition to bio-based materials could lead to the continued availability of high-quality products. “In the long run, those good products will be more often biodegradable,” he stated. The enhanced capabilities provided by robotics and AI could also lead to the discovery of entirely new product properties, improving overall product quality.

Overall, Radboud University’s initiative represents a significant advancement in sustainable chemistry, addressing pressing environmental concerns while leveraging technology to enhance research capabilities. The ongoing projects promise to contribute to a more sustainable future, ensuring that essential products remain available without compromising environmental integrity.