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Graph theory-based bio-derived solid lubricant
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Researchers used mathematical analysis to design plant-based lubricants as alternatives to toxic talc and microplastics used to help seeds flow smoothly during agricultural processing. Tests with seeds showed that cellulose-derived lubricants improved flow patterns, and field trials confirmed the materials worked effectively and biodegrade naturally.
Granular matter processing necessitates fluidization for predictable and coherent flow. In agriculture, for example, toxic solid lubricants (talc or microplastics) are often deployed as fluency agents, contaminating fragile (e.g., waterways) or precious (e.g., farmlands or pollinators) ecosystems. We applied graph theory to design bio-derived fluency agents with seeds as a model system of complex granular matter. Adopting graph theory, we evaluated multibody effects and transient clustering in 2D and 3D motion of seeds. Time-dependent graph characteristics (e.g., Ollivier-Ricci curvature, fractality, and multifractal spectrum) reveal that modified cellulose-derived lubricants effectively disrupt clustering and enhance seed flow. Flow energy trends support graph-based inferences and confirm improved coherent flow. Lubricity was confirmed with a stationary seed metering system and field trials. The developed materials are biodegradable, sustainable, and field-deployable replacements of current toxic products.
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