Application of fuzzy analytic network process for supplier selection in a manufacturing organisation

The contemporary manufacturing organisations are forced to adopt advanced manufacturing paradigms for sustaining in the global markets. Supply chain management is an essential ingredient of advanced manufacturing systems since outsourcing gains vital importance. Supplier selection is a vital issue concerned in the process of managing global supply chains. A conceptual model for supplier selection encompassing various criteria and sub-criteria has been developed. In this article, fuzzy analytic network process (fuzzy ANP) approach has been used for the supplier selection process. The case study has been carried out in an Indian electronics switches manufacturing company. Based on supplier selection weighted index, the best supplier has been determined. This is followed by the conduct of sensitivity analysis as well as questionnaire-based validation. The results of the validation study indicated that the application of fuzzy ANP is practically feasible and adaptable in the contemporary industrial scenario.     

Influence of plasticizers and cryogenic grinding on the high‐cooling‐rate solidification behavior of PBT/PET blends

Two structurally different plasticizers (cyclic and linear) and the effect of cryogenic grinding on the solidification behavior at high cooling rates by a continuous cooling transformation approach of poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene terephthalate), PBT/PET, blends are described. The solidification curve (density versus cooling rate) is confirmed as an effective tool to compare the differences in crystallization behavior under conditions mimicking processing. In comparison to the bulky cyclic plasticizer, the linear oligomeric one was found to have a more pronounced influence on the crystallization behavior. A 60/40 by weight PBT/PET blend shows a drop‐off of density at ～50 K/s. In the plasticized sample, the long‐range crystalline order appears up to a cooling rate of ～250K/s, making the blend comparable to pure PBT. Grinding the components before blending further improves crystallizability and synergy to the addition of the plasticizer. The results suggest the important role of local chain mobility in the solidification behavior at high cooling rates. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43083.     

Stress corrosion crack velocity and grain boundary precipitates in an Al-Zn-Mg alloy

The fracture kinetics of Al-5.5 Zn-2.5 Mg alloys submersed in 3 pct NaCl-H₂O solutions were varied by heat treatment. The steady state velocity, on a plot of velocity vs stress intensity, was compared with microstructure and it was found to be inversely proportional to the volume of MgZn₂ in the grain boundary. This behavior suggests that grain boundary precipitates can act as sacrificial anodes to retard intergranular stress corrosion cracking. Formerly Graduate Student at the University of Connecticut     

Doped oxides of cerium as inorganic colorants

The colour of inorganic colorants is based on metal ions such as cadmium, lead, chromium or cobalt, the majority of which are unfortunately potentially toxic. Thus, there is in a need to introduce alternative metal or metal oxides, which would be environmentally friendly and economically viable as a replacement for potentially toxic inorganic colorants. Rare earth-based colorants offer an additional opportunity for the development of optically pure colours. In this study, a replacement for potentially toxic colorants has been sought through the use of a rare earth metal ion, cerium. Appropriate doping of cerium oxides with molybdenum and iron gives an orange–red colorant. The conditions ideal for optimal colour have been standardised and the resultant colorant characterised through powder X-ray diffraction techniques, particle size measurement, etc. The colorants exhibit good hiding power and tinting strength.     

Temporal variations in road traffic fatalities in South Africa

The annual road traffic fatality (RTF) burden of 43 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants in South Africa (SA) is disproportionately high in comparison to the world average of 22 per 100 000 population. Recent research revealed strong geographical variations across district councils in the country, as well as a substantial peak in mortality occurring during December. In this study, the factors that explain temporal variations in RTFs in SA are examined. Using weekly data from the period 2002–2006 for the country's nine provinces, non-linear auto-regression exogenous (NARX) regression models were fitted to explain variations in RTFs and to assess the degree to which the variations between the provinces were associated with the temporal variations in risk factors. Results suggest that a proportion of the variations in weekly RTFs could be explained by factors other than the size of the province population, with both temporal and between-province residual variance remaining after accounting for the modelled risks. Policies directed at reducing the effects of the modifiable risks identified in our study will be important in reducing RTFs in SA.     

Colored cool colorants based on rare earth metal ions

Colored pigments with high near infrared reflectance and not based on toxic metal ions like cadmium, lead and cobalt are being sought as cool colorants. Through appropriate doping two pigments Ce-Pr-Mo and Ce-Pr-Fe have been developed to offer a reddish brown and reddish orange color, respectively. These pigments have been characterized and found to be highly crystalline with an average size of 300 nm. A shift in band gap energy from 2.21 to 2.18 eV has been observed when Li₂CO₃ was used as a mineralizer. Scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX) measurement indicate a uniform grind shape and distribution of metal ion, with over 65% reflectance in the NIR region, these pigments can well serve as cool colorants.     

Application of fuzzy analytic network process for agile concept selection in a manufacturing organisation

Twenty-first century manufacturing organisations are capable of satisfying the varied requirements of modern customers called agile manufacturing (AM). AM enables an organisation to produce a variety of products within a short period of time in a cost-effective manner. Few researchers have brought out models for enabling organisations to improve their agility level. Total agile design system (TADS) is a model that is analogous to the technology integrated agile product development cycle. Concept selection is an important phase of TADS which is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Selection of the best concept from agile perspective gains vital importance. Analytical network process (ANP) is a holistic approach that considers interactions and dependencies of various attributes and alternatives in a hierarchical framework used in MCDM problems. The concepts of fuzzy logic have been integrated with ANP in order to overcome the vagueness and uncertainty associated with opinions of the decision makers. Fuzzy ANP has been used to enable the selection of best concept. The case study has been carried out in an Indian traditional manufacturing organisation. The results of the validation indicate that fuzzy ANP is an effective approach for selecting best concept thereby improving agility of product development process.     

Mechanisms of Solution Reactions of Cyclo-Penta[cd]Pyrene Oxide and Acenaphthylene Oxide

Rates and products of the acid-catalyzed and spontaneous reactions of cyclopenta[cd]pyrene oxide (2) and acenaphthalene oxide (3) in 1:3 dioxane-water and water, respectively, have been determined. Both 2 and 3 undergo acid-catalyzed hydrolyses to yield cis diol as the major product, and undergo spontaneous reactions to yield predominantly ketone products. The mechanisms of these reactions are discussed.     

Progress in Carbon Fiber and Its Polypropylene- and Polyethylene-Based Composites

Due to their lightweight and excellent toughness, carbon fiber (CF) and its reinforced thermoplastic composites are suitable for high-performance applications such as aerospace, aviation, automotive and sport equipments. In this study, comprehensive detail is provided on the production of carbon fiber, its various forms and geometry and their corresponding effects on the mechanical properties of CF and its reinforced polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) composites. Here we discuss extensively various methods reported in literature on improving the interfacial fiber-matrix adhesion and dispersion in order to achieve better mechanical properties for such composites.