Tailoring novel, resource-efficient materials using AI.

These materials could span a wide range of applications. A few examples include metallic biomaterials, such as biodegradable magnesium bone screws that eliminate the need for a follow-up surgery to remove them; a protective coating that, when scratched, releases molecules that render corrosive substances harmless; or lightweight components that are treated by “laser shock peening” to increase the service life of parts by up to four times.

New materials and processes make it possible to bring greater efficiency into our transportation and energy systems, healthcare, and industrial culture. We are achieving these goals not only through experiments but also with digital methods. Using artificial intelligence, simulations, data-driven models, and sophisticated characterization methods, we are getting to know materials and processes more and more, from the atomic level to their application. In this way, we are finding ever-new answers to the question: how can we make better use of our world’s resources?

(Header: Michael Schmitz für Helmholtz/HIDA)