Active learning comprises machine learning-based approaches that integrate surrogate model inference, exploitation and exploration strategies with active experimental feedback into a closed-loop framework. This approach aims at describing and predicting specific material properties, without requiring lengthy, expensive or repetitive experiments. Recently, active learning has shown potential as an approach for the design of sustainable materials, such as scrap-compatible alloys, and for enhancing the longevity of metallic materials. However, in-depth investigations into suited best-practice strategies of active learning for sustainable materials science are still scarce. This study aims to present and discuss active learning strategies for developing and improving sustainable alloys, addressing single-objective and multi-objective learning and modelling scenarios. As model cases, we discuss active learning strategies for optimizing Invar and magnetic alloys, representing single-objective scenarios, and more general steel design approaches, exemplifying multi-objective optimization. We discuss the significance of finding the right balance between exploitation and exploration strategies in active learning and suggest strategies to reduce the number of iterations across diverse scenarios. This kind of research aims to find metrics for a more effective application of active learning and is used here to advance the field of sustainable alloy design. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Sustainable metals: science and systems’.

Active learning strategies for the design of sustainable alloys