Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Designing Functional Coatings
Abstract
Coating systems are critically important in protecting and extending the lifetime of critical military infrastructure and naval vessels are no exception. Naval vessels as subjected to all manner of environmental attack including the corrosive saltwater environment and UV rays from the sun. Ship hulls are attacked by marine organisms such as bacteria, algae, barnacles, that can create drag andimpair efficient ship operation. As naval vessels operate in more northerly climes, ice can accumulate on ship superstructures and impair antenna operation and falling ice can be hazardous to sailors. Thus, beyond basic protective functions, coatings need to alsohave functional properties to resist adhesion of fouling organisms below the water line and resist the adhesion of ice above the water line. Coatings systems are complex mixtures of resins, crosslinkers, catalysts, additives, pigments, solvents, and so on, that need to work together to create a system that has the proper rheology, dryingtime, color, adhesion, hardness, flexibility, and durability. Adding the need to also at the same time have functional properties, requiring modification of the coating surface, further increases the complexity of the coating system. Due to its complexity, designing and optimizing a coating system requires significant efforts in the laboratory to prepare and test formulations until a formulation meeting the requirements is identified. Often there is insufficient time and resources to be able to prepare and test all of the potentially useful formulations. To address these issues, in this project we will build on and expand our capabilities in the synthesis and formulation and characterization of coatings systems for use in the marine environment to generate large data sets and then employ artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning(ML) to develop predictive models of the coating systems relating material compositions to properties. This approach will lead to more efficient use of resources to develop functional coatings systems and lead to coatings with more highly optimized properties. Once this methodology is established for marine coating systems, the approach can be broadened to address the development of a wide variety of systems of use to the Department of Defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 21, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142412011
Entities
People
- Dean C Webster
Organizations
- North Dakota State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy