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The field of supply chain management has experienced heightened complexity in the context of globalization, giving rise to many difficulties pertaining to transparency, traceability, and efficiency. Blockchain technology has emerged as a possible option to mitigate these challenges by offering a secure and unalterable ledger for documenting transactions and events across the supply chain. This study investigates the integration of blockchain technology with simulation and optimization methodologies in order to boost the level of transparency in supply chain operations. This study aims to explore the possibilities of simulation and optimization models provided by blockchain technology in enhancing transparency inside the supply chain. It focuses on the tracking and verification of the flow of items, information, and cash. The aforementioned statement underscores the advantages of blockchain technology, specifically in terms of facilitating real-time data sharing, maintaining tamper-proof records, and employing decentralized consensus methods. The research paper provides an exposition of case studies and practical implementations of blockchain-enabled simulation and optimization across diverse sectors. These examples serve to demonstrate the potential of this methodology in detecting inefficiencies, mitigating risks, and improving overall supply chain efficacy. The aforementioned instances demonstrate how enterprises can acquire a competitive advantage through the utilization of blockchain technology to augment transparency and optimize their supply chain operations.

The present work generated hybrid composite sandwiches by incorporating 65% epoxy resin and 35% reinforcements derived from pineapple and glass fibres. The specimens were subjected to mechanical characterization by tensile, flexural and impact examinations. Among the untreated samples, the specimens containing untreated pineapple fibres (PF) with a composition of 17% PF, 18% glass fibres (three layers) and 65% epoxy by weight (17PF/TLGF) showed the most superior mechanical characteristics. Nevertheless, specimens containing fibres treated with NaOH exhibited exceptional characteristics, attaining a tensile strength of 88.121 MPa, a flexural strength of 94.213 MPa and an impact energy of 4.1 J. These data indicate a 20% enhancement in both tensile and flexural strength as well as a 63% improvement in impact strength compared to specimens containing 35% PF and lacking glass fibres (35PF/0GF). In comparison to 17PF/TLGF, the specimens treated with NaOH exhibited a 4.34% gain in tensile strength, a 4.24% increase in flexural strength and a 9% increase in impact strength. Experimental TGA was performed on the chemically treated fibre composite specimens, specifically identified as 35PF/0GF and 17PF/TLGF. Approximately 260 °C marked the beginning of decomposition for the 35PF/0GF sample, but the 17PF/TLGF sample decomposed at roughly 310°C. In addition, the fragmented surface of the 17PF/TLGF sample was analysed using SEM. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid composite is fabricated by powder metallurgy technique. The addition of ceramic reinforcements to the matrix phase helps in attaining tribological properties. Initially, the metal powders are prepared by atomization and reduction process. To reduce oxidation of pure metals, electrolytic process is carried out. The crushing, milling and sintering process are carried after atomization to obtain fine grain sized particles; these are then characterized using Scanning electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD). The obtained particles are then blended and compacted to attain better hardness and wear resistant of the materials. The hybrid composites prepared for the analysis by reinforcing 15%Ni-8%Sn-4%B4C to the matrix phase Cu. The pin-on-disc method is incorporated to study the wear rate, hardness and co-efficient of friction. By varying the contribution parameters such as load 10 N-25 N, sliding distance 400 mm-1000 mm and sliding speed, the matrix phase materials exhibited rigorous wear, whereas the reinforced hybrid composite (Cu-15%Ni-8%Sn-4%B4C) provide good strength and wear resistant and also reduced volume loss of 25x10-5cm³ and 110x10-5 cm³ for 10 N load with 400 mm and 1000 mm sliding distance even at sintering temperature of 900°C. The microstructure and morphology of the worn surface is analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy images. The sintered density of the hybrid composite is less due to reduced number of pores and so material defect is also condensed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation explores the water intake characteristics of hybrid composite samples composed of Wood Dust as organic filler (WD), Prosopis Juliflora as fiber (PJF), and epoxy as matrix. The specimens underwent immersion in both distilled and seawater environments for a duration of 240 hours. The composite samples, with compositions of 10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF, 20WD + 20PJF + 60 PF, and 30WD + 10PJF + 60 PF, were subjected to moisture content measurements at different intervals. Mechanical properties were tested following ASTM standards for both dry and wet conditions. Results indicate that seawater immersion leads to higher moisture absorption compared to distilled (condensed) water, with the fiber (PJF)-rich composite (30PJF +10WD + 60 PF) exhibiting the greatest water absorption. The water absorption pattern exhibited by the hybrid composite of WD/PJF/PF does not adhere to a Fickian behavior. Tensile, flexural, and impact properties were evaluated, with the (10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF) specimen showcasing superior performance in dry conditions, boasting a tensile character of 51 MPa, flexural (bending) strength of 60 MPa, and impact value of 1.4 KJ/m2. However, its strength diminishes upon exposure to distilled water and seawater. SEM analysis of fractured surfaces from seawater-exposed specimens provides additional insights. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the influence of immersion on moisture absorption and mechanical properties, emphasizing the prevalence of non-Fickian behavior and the varying performance of different compositions, with the (10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF) composition demonstrating remarkable strength under dry conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]