# Explainable Multimodal Machine Learning for Revealing Structure-Property Relationships in Carbon Nanotube Fibers

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.07400 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.07400/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 28 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 11 Feb 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [A Comprehensive and Versatile Multimodal Deep Learning Approach for Predicting Diverse Properties of Advanced Materials](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.16412/) (2023)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Multimodal Machine Learning for Integrating Heterogeneous Analytical Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.00590/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

In this study, we propose Explainable Multimodal Machine Learning (EMML), which integrates the analysis of diverse data types (multimodal data) using factor analysis for feature extraction with Explainable AI (XAI), for carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers prepared from aqueous dispersions. This method is a powerful approach to elucidate the mechanisms governing material properties, where multi-stage fabrication conditions and multiscale structures have complex influences. Thus, in our case, this approach helps us understand how different processing steps and structures at various scales impact the final properties of CNT fibers. The analysis targeted structures ranging from the nanoscale to the macroscale, including aggregation size distributions of CNT dispersions and the effective length of CNTs. Furthermore, because some types of data were difficult to interpret using standard methods, challenging-to-interpret distribution data were analyzed using Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) for extracting key features that determine the outcome. Contribution analysis with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) demonstrated that small, uniformly distributed aggregates are crucial for improving fracture strength, while CNTs with long effective lengths are significant factors for enhancing electrical conductivity. The analysis also identified thresholds and trends for these key factors to assist in defining the conditions needed to optimize CNT fiber properties. EMML is not limited to CNT fibers but can be applied to the design of other materials derived from nanomaterials, making it a useful tool for developing a wide range of advanced materials. This approach provides a foundation for advancing data-driven materials research.