Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop jute-glass hybrid fibre reinforced polyester-based bio-composites using an indigenously developed pultrusion set-up and to present a detailed discussion on their mechanical characterization. Design/methodology/approach The work was carried out to observe the hybridization effect of natural and synthetic fibres in combination with hybrid fillers loading mainly on strength and other properties. The used hybrid fillers were a combination of 9 Wt.% of carbon black%, 6 Wt.% of eggshell ash powder and 6 Wt.% of coconut coir ash powder. A lab-based developed pultrusion set-up was used to develop these hybrid GJFRP composites of 1,500 mm length. The developed composites were tested for tensile strength, compressive strength and impact strength. Findings The maximum tensile, compressive and impact strength obtained are 88.37 MPa, 56.13 MPa and 731.91 J/m from 9 Wt.%, 9 Wt.% and 0 Wt.% of hybrid fillers loading, respectively. Breaking energy was found maximum as 7.31 J in hybrid glass-jute hybrid fibre reinforced plastic composites with no filler loading and it was observed that filler loading was decreasing the impact strength of developed hybrid composites. Shrinkage and its variations in the diameter of the finally developed cylindrical shape composites were observed after cooling and solidification. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the internal cracks, bonding of fibres and resin, voids, etc. Originality/value Development of hybrid filler based novel eco-friendly bio-composites and its experimental investigation on the impact strength, tensile strength and compressive strength has not been attempted yet.

Over the years, technological developments and innovation in the area of manufacturing have evolved which is known as industry 4.0(I4.0), and has increased the consideration of all the researchers, enterprises and countries. Manufacturing enterprises are facing manifold challenges arising due to their internal and external situations. Similarly, choices have to be made among various available disruptive technologies, like IoT (Internet of Things), CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems) and cloud-based production. Thus, the need of the hour for manufacturing enterprise is to understand Industry 4.0, subsequently, it is necessary to assist the manufacturing enterprises to assess their Industry 4.0 preparedness. German’s National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) has developed Industry 4.0 Maturity Assessment for establishing manufacturing enterprises Industry 4.0 maturity and identifying areas where actions are required to realize higher maturity stage in implementation of Industry 4.0. In this article, a review of literature is made to comprehend the concept of Industry 4.0, and with focus on maturity models. Furthermore, the articles discuss the challenges, research gaps between the current status of manufacturing and I4.0. The findings of this review article may be the basis for understanding the challenges and designing a maturity model considering various dimensions of I4.0.

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Biopolymers are eco-friendly substitute materials to synthetic polymers due to their abundant resource, biodegradability, and ease of processing. In recent years biopolymer-based polymers attracted many researchers because of cost, lightweight, and recyclability. One of the most promising biopolymers used in many applications such as food, packaging, and medical and pharmaceutical industries is Polylactic Acid (PLA). Polymer scientists in the last decade widely investigated. Biopolymer is going to replace many synthetic materials. Desired properties of biopolymer can be obtained by blending with various additives. This research aims to reduce the dependence of synthetic polymer by reinforcing PLA in an Epoxy matrix. The Percentage of PLA is varied from 10 to 50% in a step of 10% using Solution Casting Technique. The mechanical, Functional (FTIR), thermal properties are investigated. The Epoxy and PLA composites with 20% PLA has shown improvement in Tensile strength compared to 10 and 30%.