Industry 4.0 R&D platform for the optimized development of formulations

• Grant number: 20/05707-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2021
• End date: February 28, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Cesar de Oliveira Intini
• Grantee: Antonio Cesar de Oliveira Intini
• CNAE: Fabricação de tintas, vernizes, esmaltes e lacas ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• Associated researchers: Maria Elena Santos Taqueda
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/04995-3 - Industry 4.0 R&D platform for the optimized development of formulations, BP.TT; 21/04812-6 - Industry 4.0 R&D platform for the optimized development of formulations, BP.PIPE; 21/04825-0 - Industry 4.0 R&D platform for the optimized development of formulations, BP.TT

Abstract

The research and development process in the industry is characterized by costly and repetitive loops at the formulation stage, resulting in inefficiencies due to the large number of iterations and reflecting in increased R&D workforce costs as well as longer time-to-market performance. This project consists of a research of methods and technologies applicable to the development of three modules: technical (thermodynamic models), traditional optimization and prediction of difficult-to-model properties, by using machine learning techniques (IA). These modules will be integrated to an existing proprietary formulation software for mixtures. The main challenges are the design of a system with good response prediction capabilities, considering the existing errors, present in the measurement system of the industry. Partnerships with startup channels in the industry will be used to reduce the barriers to access real formulation data. Once this concept is validated, our company will be able to develop an innovative formulation software, based on Industry 4.0 technologies. The patentability of this technology will be investigated as a way to protect the new intellectual property. The scalability of this technology will allow our company to access national and international markets. Startup programs, such as "Paint the Future" from AkzoNobel and "Suvinil Fora da Lata" from BASF will be used as opportunities for the international expansion. We aim to gain market share by way of the competitive advantage of our technology. The resulting formulation software, from the present research, will allow the improvement of R&D process of our clients, reducing their development time. We also expect benefits such as waste reduction and poor knowledge retention, both caused by workforce turnover and the disregard for the information available in failed experiments. Such improvement will reflect in direct benefits for the society, such as the offer of lower cost, better quality and more sustainable products to the end consumer. (AU)