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The development of a new class of engineering materials is the current demand for aircraft and automobile companies. In this context metal, composite materials have a widespread application in different areas of manufacturing sectors.

In this paper, an attempt is made to develop the aluminium-based nano metal matrix composite reinforced with graphene nanoparticles (GNP) by using the stir casting method. Different weight percentage (0.4%, 0.8% and 1.2% by weight) of GNPs are used to fabricate metal matrix composites (MMCs). The developed nanocomposites were further validated by density calculation and optical microstructures to discuss the distribution of GNPs. The tensile test was conducted to determine the strength of the developed MMCs and also supported by fractographic analysis. In addition to it, the Rockwell hardness test and impact test (toughness) with fracture analysis were also conducted to strengthen the present work.

The results reveal the uniform distribution of GNPs into the matrix material. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength obtained a maximum value of 155.67 MPa and 170.28 MPa, respectively. The hardness value (HRB) is significantly increased and 84 HRB was obtained for the sample with AA1100/0.4% GNP, while maximum hardness value (94 HRB) was obtained for the sample AA1100/1.2% GNP. The maximum value of toughness 14.3 Jules/cm² is recorded for base alloy AA1100 while increasing the reinforcement percentage, it decreases up to 9.7 Jules/cm² for AA1100/1.2% GNP.

Graphene nanoparticles are used to develop nanocomposites, which is one of the suitable alternatives for heavy engineering materials such as steels and cast irons. It has improved microstructural and mechanical properties which makes it preferable for many engineering and structural applications.

This study aims to focus on sustainable supplier selection in a construction company considering a new multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on dominance-based rough set analysis. The inclusion of sustainability concept in industrial supply chains has started gaining momentum due to increased environmental protection awareness and social obligations. The selection of sustainable suppliers marks the first step toward accomplishing this objective. The problem of selecting the right suppliers fulfilling the sustainable requirements is a major MCDM problem since various conflicting factors are underplay in the selection process. The decision-makers are often confronted with inconsistent situations forcing them to make imprecise and vague decisions.

This paper presents a new method based on dominance-based rough sets for the selection of right suppliers based on sustainable performance criteria relying on the triple bottom line approach. The method applied has its distinct advantages by providing more transparency in dealing with the preference information provided by the decision-makers and is thus found to be more intuitive and appealing as a performance measurement tool.

The technique is easy to apply using “jrank” software package and devises results in the form of decision rules and ranking that further assist the decision-makers in making an informed decision that increases credibility in the decision-making process.

The novelty of this study of its kind is that uses the dominance-based rough set approach for a sustainable supplier selection process.

Recent technological advancements, often linked to Industry 4.0, require organizations to be more agile and innovative. Blockchain technology (BT) holds immense potential in driving organizations to achieve efficiency and transparency in supply chains. However, there exist some insurmountable challenges associated with the adoption of BT in organizational supply chains (SC). This paper attempts to categorically identify and systematize the most influential challenges in the implementation of BT in SC.

This study resorts to an extensive literature review and consultations with experts in the field of supply chain management (SCM), information technology and academia to identify, categorize and prioritize the major challenges using VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and Combined Compromise Solution method (CoCoSo).

The top three classes of challenges revealed in this study are privacy challenges (PC), infrastructure challenges (IC) and transparency challenges (TC). Maintaining a balance between data openness and secrecy and rectification of incorrect/erroneous input are the top two challenges in the PC category, integration of BT with sustainable practices and ensuring legitimacy are the top two challenges in the IC category, and proper and correct information sharing in organizations was the top most challenge in the TC category.

Future scholars and industry professionals will be guided by the importance of the challenges identified in this study to develop an economical and logical approach for integrating BT to increase the efficiency and outcome of supply chains across several industrial sectors.