Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC
Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC

Efficient material substitution with “Substitute Expert”

With the newly developed data tool “Substitute Expert,” artificial intelligence can be used to quickly evaluate extensive data sets on material components − not only with regard to regulatory requirements, but also for the systematic generation of suggestions for possible substitutes and substitution solutions.

Using the example of a current task regarding PFAS substitution, you will gain an insight into the functionalities of the new agentic AI tool. “Substitute Expert” can also be flexibly adapted to other materials and chemicals. In its current state of development, the tool cannot replace an expert, but it can make your own resources more efficient. We show excerpts from an example workflow.

“Is my product affected by the possible PFAS ban (REACH regulation) and what substitution solutions are available?”

Analysis

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Materials substitution: analysis
© Fraunhofer ISC

Based on a data sheet/bill of materials (e.g., PDF) and supplementary descriptions in the chat, the tool can check whether the REACH regulation is relevant for your products and which supplier parts are affected. The following analyses are carried out for this purpose:

  • Product analysis
    Recording of product parts or assemblies that contain PFAS.
  • Functional analysis
    Determination of the specific reasons for the PFAS use and derivation of the crucial material and functional requirements.
  • Substitute analysis
    Identification and listing of suitable substitute materials based on databases in combination with automated online research.

Overview

Material substitution: Overview
© Fraunhofer ISC

The results of the various analysis requests are clearly displayed. The tool shows:

  1. A table with components that contain PFAS
  2. The associated functions of these PFAS-containing components

Using various settings, the chatbot processes the tasks based on verified information (database and online search). Special tools and modes help to minimize hallucinations and increase the quality of the results.

Recommendation

Materials substitution: recommendation
© Fraunhofer ISC

The identified materials and their properties can be compared based on function-specific characteristics. Various visual representations are available, which can be parameterized directly by the chatbot. Users have the option of easily adjusting these parameters. The available tools can also be configured individually; for example, the online search can be turned on or off.

The substitute analysis provides a compact overview of

  1. available potential substitute materials and
  2. current research and development activities on PFAS substitution for your specific application.

The information obtained provides efficient support for targeted substitution and for the development of a material substitute (currently with a focus on PFAS).