5. Conclusions
We developed an artificial intelligence algorithm and extended it to handle incomplete data, functional data, and to quantify the accuracy of data. We validated its performance for model data to confirm that the framework delivers the expected results in tests on the error-prediction, incomplete data, and graphing capabilities. Finally, we applied the framework to the real-life MaterialUniverse and Prospector Plastics databases, and were able to showcase the immense utility of the approach.
In particular, we were able to propose and verify erroneous entries, provide improvements in extrapolations to give estimates for unknowns, impute missing data on materials composition and fabrication, and also help the characterization of materials by identifying non-obvious descriptors across a broad range of different applications. Therefore, we were able to show how artificial intelligence algorithms can contribute significantly to innovation in researching, designing, and selecting materials for industrial applications.
The authors thank Bryce Conduit, Patrick Coulter, Richard Gibbens, Alfred Ireland, Victor Kouzmanov, Hauke Neitzel, Diego Oliveira Sánchez, and Howard Stone for useful discussions, and acknowledge the financial support of the EPSRC [EP/J017639/1] and the Royal Society.