AI-driven multiscale methodology to develop Transparent Wood as sustainable functional material

ongoing

AI-TranspWood ambition is to create an AI-driven multiscale methodology for new Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), and functional wood-based composites and demonstrate the concept for Transparent Wood (TW), a promising composite with potential applications in several industrial fields, such as construction, automotive, electronics and furniture. By developing AI supported SSbD framework for TW, we contribute to European Green Deal by providing innovative sustainable materials and cost-effective tools for European industries paving the way towards green and sustainable transition. SSbD tools used by the chemicals and materials community with new transparent wood materials, increases the innovation capacity of SMEs and industry for future sustainable products. With the help of AI-tools and advanced experiments we develop multiscale models from the atomistic scale to continuum for the manufacturing process and the mechanics of the transparent wood allowing for virtual screening of bio-sourced alternatives for hazardous and petrochemical-based chemicals required for manufacturing Transparent Wood using the current solutions. The built computational models are openly shared within the European environment for scientific software (EESSI). The user-friendly surrogate model is also made available in the VTT Modeling Factory environment, along with an LCA tool, for industrial use. Four TW business cases are conducted, with the aim to be commercialized in the construction, automotive, electronics and furniture industries. The SSbD framework will guide the whole creation of the TW products providing a competitive advantage to the European manufacturers interested in introducing the TW composites in the European market, also as substitutes of glass and plastic in various applications. This can considerably increase the European share in the global production of sustainable TW composites.