In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based composites reinforced with bamboo fibers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated via compression moulding and evaluated for mechanical and antibacterial performance, targeting advanced packaging applications. Four formulations were developed: A (bamboo/PEG), B (bamboo/PEG + CNT), C (bamboo/PEG + GO), and D (bamboo/PEG + CNT + GO). Compared to pure PEG, tensile strength improved by up to 128 % (91.52 MPa for A), Young's modulus by up to 89 % (754.89 MPa for D), and flexural strength by up to 146 % (98.68 MPa for D). Impact strength increased by up to 278 % (0.927 J/mm2 for D), while surface hardness rose by up to 675 % (19.37 GPa for D). Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was significantly enhanced, with inhibition zones increasing by up to 140 % in the hybrid composite D (24 mm and 22 mm, respectively) compared to pure PEG. The results demonstrate that hybrid micro-nano reinforcement, combining bamboo fibres, CNTs, and GO, provides a balanced enhancement in stiffness, toughness, surface resistance, and antimicrobial function, offering a multifunctional and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials.
In the automotive industry, sustainable manufacturing involves integrating the triple bottom line of economic, environmental, and social aspects into manufacturing operations. However, the automotive industry faces challenges in prioritizing sustainability due to its interdependence and complexity, where effective decision-making requires identifying influential factors and understanding their relationship. To address the challenge, a hybrid method combining Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis is utilized. ISM establishes connections between specific criteria, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their interdependencies. MICMAC analysis then helps the prioritization process by classifying factors according to their driving and dependency power. This approach helps stakeholders identify the most crucial factors and develop action plans to reduce or eliminate obstacles hindering the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices. This study addresses the sustainability issues in the automotive sector in Kerala, India. Furthermore, the study suggests the potential expansion by conducting a large-scale survey to include additional criteria, thereby enhancing the understanding of sustainable practices in the automotive sector. The results indicate the proposed ISM-MICMAC model outperforms existing methods in several areas, including accuracy of prioritization (92.5% vs. 70% for AHP), resource efficiency (85% vs. 60% for Carbon Footprint Analysis), emission reduction (30% vs. 20% for LCA), and stakeholder engagement (85% vs. 80% for LCA). sustainability, Interpretive structural modeling, Structural Self Interaction Matrix, Cronbach Alpha, Statistical Package for Social Science.
Aluminum composites reinforced with micro- and nanoparticles are employed extensively in various applications. Due to lightweight, high-strength ratio, enhanced tensile property and high fracture toughness, the aluminum composites have gained significant attention. The integration of titanium carbide reinforced with aluminum alloy has expanded the applicability in various applications, such as defense, military and aerospace. Meanwhile, conventional Aluminum 6061-titanium carbide composite faces numerous challenging issues, such as manufacturing complexity, mechanical performances as well as temperature sensitivity. This study investigates Aluminum 6061 reinforced with titanium carbide at different weight factors, such as 3, 6 and 9
The design, production, and characterization of coir fiber-reinforced composites employing epoxy resin modified with CNSL are investigated in this work. A 1:1.25 epoxy-to-hardener ratio, 15-20% CNSL, and vacuum bagging were used to create fiber arranged for sun-dried coir composites. Structural and thermal properties were assessed using mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, and impact) as well as FTIR, TGA, and SEM investigations. The findings show that CNSL improved impact resistance and thermal stability, while interlocking coir composites had greater mechanical strength. However, impact hardness was decreased by over-mercerization. The results show that coir fiber composites are environmentally friendly substitutes for construction, automotive, and aerospace applications. To improve performance, future studies can optimize fiber loading and biodegradability.
Aerospace industry demands metal joints of high quality and high strength. Dissimilar metal joint is again a challenging task since joining two metals with different physical properties is considered to be impossible. This paper portrays different metal joints of copper with stainless steel 304 which is used in the part of drive assembly of semi cryogenic engine. This combination of metal joints is extremely a field of interest among many researchers as these dissimilar joints is a complex process since the thermal conductivity of copper is too high. Electron beam welding is a good choice for this dissimilar combination. The input parameters such as beam current, welding speed, work distance are responsible for a high quality weld. Since the aircraft industry experiences high-quality defect-free weld, it is the responsibility of the researcher to optimize the best value of these input parameters. In this paper a trial has been made to join copper with stainless steel 304 by using electron beam welding. A systematic study was conducted as per Taguchi Design of Experiment (DOE) matrix with three levels of input parameters and welding is executed using electron beam welding. Hardness test and ultimate tensile strength were taken to find the mechanical strength of the weld. The best specimen is then subjected to bend test. Microstructure and SEM analysis has also been taken to find the best quality weld.
Aluminium-based alloys have a significant role in the structural aspects of the automobile and aero industries in fabricating various components. This alloy is formed by combining multiple other materials in varying proportions. This work forms the aluminum alloy by combining Al2O3, CeO2, and Sic. Aluminium alloys are basically used for casting purposes because of their lattice structure, and mostly noncombustible Aluminium alloy is preferred for the purpose and enhance the material's heat-withstanding capability CeO2 is necessary in alloying with Aluminium because of its combining property. The presence of Sic in this alloy always helps to enhance the hardness of the alloy in which it is being embossed. Further, it also plays a significant role in resistance to corrosion under all aspects. The presence of Sic in the alloy also helps to enrich the die-casting possibility of the alloy. Each metal particle is combined and is then converted to alloy; on the other hand, the balance of similar materials are hot extruded and cut into specimens of standard size. The alloying materials are then used as the base material, blended with reinforcements such as aluminium oxide in the form of micro and nanoparticles, and converted to alloy composite. These are then stir casted and hot extruded as above. Once these fabrication processes are accomplished, followed by mechanical characteristics evolution has to be carried out in the aspect of strength, toughness and hardness. The result shows the chart in which metal particles' enhanced property when blended with the reinforcing materials is obtained with the casted alloy. This material also proves to be very effective in the case of aeronautical-based applications, such as on the surface of bearings, brackets, engine cylinder liners, piston surfaces, cranks, etc. The combination of composites and alloys fabrication enhances the material's performance characteristics.
Purpose Manufacturing structural components such as blocks, bearings and bushes necessitate materials with superior wear and corrosion resistance to enhance performance and durability. This study aims to develop and analyse rare earth-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) and SiCp particles to meet these requirements. Design/methodology/approach A novel composite is fabricated by adding cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) to an Al6063 alloy matrix reinforced with Al 2 O 3 and SiCp particles in varying proportions using the stir casting method. The mechanical properties of the composite are evaluated by conducting hardness tests. Dry sliding wear behaviour is investigated using a pin-on-disc apparatus, considering sliding distance, applied load, composition percentage and sliding speed as input parameters. Response surface methodology is employed to model the wear behaviour, and regression analysis is performed to establish correlations between process variables and wear rate. The model is validated through confirmatory experiments. Findings Response and contour plot analysis indicate that sliding speed and sliding distance significantly influence the wear rate. The results from main and interaction plots support these findings. Analysis of variance results confirm that sliding speed and sliding distance consistently impact wear behaviour. Furthermore, SEM analysis of the samples with the highest and lowest wear rates provides insights into wear mechanisms. Originality/value This study contributes to the development of high-performance structural materials by incorporating rare earth elements into MMC to enhance wear resistance. The findings offer valuable insights into optimizing wear behaviour through process parameter adjustments, making the composite suitable for structural applications requiring superior durability.
The vehicle model's Magneto-Rheological (MRD) damper parameters are selected to match the experimental damper's properties and correlate to a real-world damper. This study main characteristic is its upgrading of the MRD's earthquake-present limitations while considering soil structure impacts. The equivalent linearization method is used iteratively to produce a nonlinear vehicle model's control and response statistics that uses an MR damper. The results are verified using the Black Widow with Ant Lion Algorithm (BWALO), and Deep Neural Network (DNN) computation is used to determine the optimal limits of MRD. A performance index, which is a group of vehicle performance parameters such as mass acceleration, displacement, and the rigidity of the front and rear suspensions, is decreased by the best control using preview. To have computationally capable models to concentrate on the qualities of the soil-structure system is achieved through limited part diversions in which soil-structure interaction is represented by remarkable impedance capacities. The findings demonstrate that the developed BWALO algorithm can identify the MR dampers' ideal parameters. In addition to helping researchers better understand earthquake vibration, this study helps fashion designers attain higher MRD for all designs.
Aluminum metal matrix composites are critical materials in high-demand sectors due to their lightweight and exceptional stiffness. However, their application in high-stress environments is limited by insufficient strength and durability, necessitating innovations to improve their mechanical performance. This research focuses on strengthening Al6061 alloy by integrating zirconium (Zr) and titanium carbide (TiC) as reinforcement agents. Using the stir-casting process, various composite samples were developed, ranging from pure Al6061 alloy to blends containing different percentages of Zr and TiC. This method was selected for its ability to ensure uniform distribution of reinforcement particles by optimizing stirring conditions such as speed, duration, and temperature. The study assessed mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, hardness, and wear resistance. Among the samples, the composite with 0.5
Natural fiber composites are becoming more valuable in industries due to their eco-friendliness, high strength-to-weight ratio, and cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to develop and evaluate hybrid composites made from banana and papaya fibers, enhanced with silica nanoparticles, bonded with epoxy resin, to assess the effects of fiber layering sequence and silica content on their mechanical, water absorption, and biodegradation properties. Tri-layer composites with configurations such as BPB (Banana-Papaya-Banana) and PBP (Papaya-Banana-Papaya) were fabricated using the hand layup technique. Mechanical testing revealed that PBP composites exhibited superior tensile strength, which further improved when reinforced with silica nanoparticles (SiO2) in various concentrations. The PBP composite with 2 wt% SiO2 displayed optimal performance, showing tensile strength (83 MPa), flexural strength (104 MPa), impact strength (8.4 kJ m-2), and hardness (86 Shore-D) due to effective silica dispersion, enhancing load transfer and interfacial bonding. Thermal stability was also improved by the silica, making this composite suitable for high-temperature applications. Additionally, PBP/3 wt% SiO2 exhibited low water absorption (8% at 15 days) and minimal mass loss (14% at 60 days), highlighting its resistance to environmental degradation, which is essential for humid or marine environments. The PBP/2 wt% SiO2 composite is recommended for use in industries like automotive, manufacturing, and structural engineering, where its high mechanical properties, durability, and eco-friendliness make it a promising alternative to synthetic composites, thus supporting sustainable practices.
Purpose This paper aims to create a high-performance, lightweight and environmentally friendly composite filament for use in additive manufacturing for automotive and aircraft parts. By adding chopped short bamboo fibre and pulverised charred coconut shell powder in both micro and nanoforms, the effort aims to improve the mechanical properties of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). The objective is to create 3D-printable composite filaments that may be used in place of traditional materials to fabricate functional prototypes and lightweight structural components, ultimately enhancing performance while lowering material weight and attaining environmental sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Because of its superior printability, thermal stability and compatibility with natural reinforcements, PETG was chosen as the matrix material. Using a twin-screw extruder, chopped bamboo fibres and powdered burnt coconut shell were combined with PETG. A filament extruder was then used to turn the composite into a consistent 2-mm filament. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) was utilised to 3D print the test specimens, which were then assessed in accordance with the ASTM guidelines. Tensile, flexural, impact, hardness and fatigue tests were used for mechanical characterisation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surfaces morphologically. To evaluate performance gains, the outcomes of the reinforced specimens were contrasted with those of clean PETG. Findings The mechanical performance of the printed composites was significantly improved by the addition of short bamboo fibres and powdered burnt coconut shell. Micro-sized coconut shell powder reinforced specimens (Specimen C) performed the best among the tested formulations, obtaining around 25% more tensile strength, 18% more flexural strength and 22% more hardness than pure PETG. Better load transmission and failure resistance are facilitated by enhanced fibre–matrix interfacial bonding and decreased void formation, as demonstrated by SEM investigation. According to the findings, the created bio-composite filament shows promise for lightweight engineering uses, especially in components for automobiles and aeroplanes that require strength-to-weight efficiency. Research limitations/implications This work presents a new, environmentally friendly PETG-based bio-composite filament that may be used in 3D printing. It is made from powdered coconut shell and bamboo fibre, two naturally occurring agricultural wastes. This work illustrates the synergistic impact of dual natural reinforcements in a PETG matrix for advanced additive manufacturing, in contrast to the majority of previous research that investigate either single natural fillers or non-sustainable reinforcements. The results offer a feasible route for producing lightweight, economical and environmentally friendly parts for the automotive and aerospace industries, where mechanical dependability and weight reduction are essential. Practical implications The development of affordable, environmentally friendly composite 3D printing filaments for use in consumer goods, automotive and aerospace industries is supported by this study. These composites’ enhanced mechanical qualities make them appropriate for structural and semi-structural components where strength and light weight are crucial. Social implications The study encourages sustainable material usage and trash reduction by using agricultural waste materials like bamboo and coconut shell. Additionally, it supports green technology and the use of biomass in rural areas by promoting the use of environmentally friendly composite alternatives in manufacturing. Originality/value In this study, a novel PETG blend with bio-fillers and natural short fibres specifically designed for 3D printing is presented. The work is new since it shows compatibility with additive manufacturing and uses sustainable reinforcements to improve material performance, which benefits both business and research.
Industrial management focuses on designing and managing industrial systems that effectively utilize people, resources, and energy. In today's competitive landscape, companies are increasingly adopting scientific methods to enhance customer satisfaction and improve the quality of goods and services. To achieve this, businesses must not only retain their clients but also foster loyalty. The manufacturing sector, in particular, has excelled in consumer satisfaction. Despite the longstanding emphasis on product design as a key factor influencing process design in operations management literature, the direct and indirect impacts of product design on process and supply chain activities have received less attention. This review article investigates supply chain management in the manufacturing industry of developing countries, with a focus on India. India’s automobile industry has made significant strides by adopting new technologies and global best practices. However, there is a pressing need for OEM channel partners to implement more effective and pragmatic supply chain strategies. This article examines the critical role of industrial computing in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics within the Indian automotive supply chain, covering aspects from raw material allocation to production and delivery. The study contributes to the operations management literature by providing an in-depth analysis of the manufacturing industry's interaction with lean practices. It offers a detailed implementation process and analytical framework to guide future research and managerial strategies for enhancing supply chain capabilities in a global, dynamic environment. This research provides a foundation for industrial managers to understand practice interrelationships, thereby improving the likelihood of successful supply chain management implementation.
The main aim of this study is to examine the interconnections among performance indicators in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) within the mining industries in Kerala, India. A hierarchical model for performance metrics is introduced, starting with the identification of performance indicators through a systematic process. Following this, a comprehensive questionnaire-based survey is conducted within the mining and mineral industries in Kerala to identify the significant indicators specific to the sector. In this context, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) serves as a valuable multi-criteria decision-making approach for the evaluation of performance indicators. The primary objective of this article is to scrutinize performance indicators that assess the performance of SMEs and provide a comparative rating against their peers. Distinguishing itself from conventional approaches, this study directly engages manufacturers to gauge the relevance of four main factors and twelve sub-factors (performance indicators) through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
There is a growing demand for manufacturers from within and outside the company to embrace stakeholder-satisfying production techniques. As a result, companies undertake a wide range of assessments as part of their strategic planning and performance monitoring processes. The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis is used in strategic planning that helps businesses evaluate their current standing. In addition, through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a pairwise comparison may be made between elements or criteria to prioritise them, making the SWOT analysis and multicriteria decision making method more effective. The purpose of the combined approach is to raise the effectiveness of strategic planning inside a business. This paper does a SWOT analysis of a small Kerala manufacturing company, outlining its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. First, the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) are determined via an internal poll. Then, the AHP (analytic hierarchy process) compares alternatives by contrasting them head-to-head. The results of the company-wide poll of experts landed on seventeen distinct elements. With this information, the manufacturing firm can decide how best to boost its operations.
Alloy AZ31 Mg exhibits great potential as an implant metallic material for restoring human body hard tissues. Yet, it is prone to deterioration in physiological fluid environments. Enhancing the ability of magnesium alloys to resist corrosion and last longer can be efficiently achieved through the application of a nano-material coating. This investigation involved coating the magnesium alloy AZ31 with carbon nanopowder and Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK). This analysis employs Box-Behnken experimental designs to model the response surface. Further, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical corrosion testing are performed. In addition, the regression and reliability analysis are executed. The histogram studies are employed to represent the descriptive variables. The test findings indicate that incorporating carbon nanopowder and PEEK into the magnesium alloy can enhance its corrosion resistance.
Electro discharge machining is as of late perceived as one of the adaptable assembling innovations to ensure less surface roughness and high rate of material removal all through machining of aluminum composite materials. This work portrays a preliminary examination of a full factorial plan completed on aluminum composite material with EDM process by separating the machining boundaries like Pinnacle current, Heartbeat On Time , Heartbeat Off Time, Discharge Voltage, Hole Width and Oil Strain. To assess the ideal cutting circumstances the machined opening amount boundaries analyzed include Surface Roughness (SR) and Material Removal Rate (MRR). System utilized is the multi objective optimization utilizing Demonstrating and reasonable reenactment strategy to assess the ideal cutting circumstances for creating deformity free machining. Aluminum composite material machinability boundaries were upgraded; utilizing ANN strategies trial information is gathered and tried. Executing Dark Engendering Calculation utilizing info and instrument type, the Multi-Layer Perception model has been made. Surface Roughness and Material Removal Rate are yield boundaries of the machined parts on culmination of the exploratory test and ANN are associated with approving the outcomes developed and furthermore to decide the presentation of the framework under different circumstances inside the working reach.
Natural composites attract the industrialists due to its low cost with environment friendly uniqueness. Waste match sticks are gathering as garbage in match industries and dumped with usual wastes. Hence, the conversion of it into useful product could lead to reduction of garbage and lay a path for green environment. In this current study, natural composites were fabricated by means of the waste match stick (MS), and freely available banana and papaya fibers. Compression molding technique was followed to make hybrid material using banana and papaya fibers by equal proportion and the resin to fiber ratio was kept as 70:30. Further, the waste match sticks were converted into particle format and reinforced with hybrid composite by varying the volume fractions as 2.5wt