i-manager Publications

i-manager's Journal on Material Science (JMS)

Current Issue Vol. 13 Issue 2

Development and Validation of a Real-Time Data-Driven Scheduling Model for Smart Yoghurt Manufacturing
Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining Process on Duplex Steels using TOPSIS Method
Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Interior Applications: A Comprehensive Review
A Review on Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable Composites for Sustainable Solid Food Packaging: Focus on Barkcloth and Velvetleaf Fiber
Design and Fabrication of Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell Folding Machine: A Case Study on Zimbabwe's Emerging Battery Industries

Most Cited

Volume 13 Issue 2 July - September 2025

Research Paper

Development and Validation of a Real-Time Data-Driven Scheduling Model for Smart Yoghurt Manufacturing

Panashe S. Marivadzi* , Portia Mupfumira, Tafadzwa Mukodi*

*-*** Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Marivadzi, P. S., Mupfumira, P., and Mukodi, T. (2025). Development and Validation of a Real-Time Data-Driven Scheduling Model for Smart Yoghurt Manufacturing. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 1-9.

Abstract

Real-time production scheduling optimized through data-driven approaches offers significant potential to improve manufacturing efficiency and responsiveness. This study presents the development and validation of an intelligent scheduling model tailored to the smart yogurt manufacturing process at Kefalos Cheese Pvt Ltd, Zimbabwe. The model's novelty resides in benchmarking its performance against other leading African and global dairy manufacturers, demonstrating its capability for scalable adoption and competitiveness beyond local boundaries. The scheduling KPIs also include energy efficiency and wastage reduction measures, supporting sustainable practice integration. Leveraging real-time operational data, the model integrates key factors, including machine utilization, changeover time, demand variability, and batch size, through a MATLAB/Simulink implementation. A Taguchi experimental design is used to systematically analyze factor effects on scheduling Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and a quadratic regression model predicts schedule performance under different operational scenarios. Results indicate optimal scheduling when machine utilization is balanced at 75-90%, changeover times are minimized, and demand variability is controlled, enhancing both throughput and schedule robustness. The study proposes a practical implementation framework incorporating data acquisition through OPC UA protocols and adaptive feedback loops, supporting scalable adoption in Zimbabwe's dairy manufacturing sector. This research underscores the value of integrating smart factory concepts with robust scheduling models to tackle dynamic production challenges in perishable, multi-product environments.

References

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Research Paper

Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining Process on Duplex Steels using TOPSIS Method

Chengal Reddy V.* , Nishkala T., Nadhamuni Reddy C.*, Balaji M.****

*-**** Department of Mechanical Engineering, Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Reddy, V. C., Nishkala, T., Reddy, C. N., and Balaji, M. (2025). Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining Process on Duplex Steels using TOPSIS Method. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 10-18.

Abstract

Electric discharge machining (EDM) is one of the effective nontraditional machining (NTM) processes. EDM has an effective influence on the aerospace and automobile engineering industries and has various applications. This paper aims at investigating the process parameters of the EDM process when machining duplex stainless steels. These steels are a family of grades combining good corrosion resistance with high strength and ease of fabrication. Their physical properties lie between those of austenitic and ferritic stainless steels but are generally closer to those of ferritic stainless steels and carbon steel. In this investigation, process parameters Pulse on Time, Pulse off Time, and wire feed were considered to achieve output responses of better material removal rate (MRR) and good surface quality (Ra). Experiments were designed (L27) using Design of Experiments (DOE) of Taguchi, and process parameters were optimized using the TOPSIS method of optimization.

References

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Review Paper

Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Interior Applications: A Comprehensive Review

Alex Turyahabwe* , Milon Selvam Dennison , Onep Samuel George*

*-*** Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda.

Turyahabwe, A., Dennison, M. S., and George, O. S. (2025). Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Interior Applications: A Comprehensive Review. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 19-50.

Abstract

Hybrid natural fiber composites have emerged as promising sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials in the automotive industry, particularly for interior applications. By combining natural fibers such as flax, jute, hemp, or kenaf with synthetic fibers or polymer matrices like polypropylene (PP), these composites offer a balanced performance profile, including lightweight properties, improved acoustic insulation, a reduced environmental footprint, and cost efficiency. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the materials, manufacturing techniques, properties, and industrial trends related to hybrid natural fiber composites in automotive interiors. Key fabrication methods such as compression molding, injection molding, and thermoforming are discussed, alongside surface treatments like alkali, silane, and maleic anhydride grafting, which enhance interfacial bonding and durability. Applications in door panels, dashboards, seatbacks, and trims are explored through case studies from leading OEMs, including Ford, BMW, and Toyota. Challenges, including moisture sensitivity, recyclability, quality variability, and compliance with safety standards, are critically examined. The study also highlights advancements in smart composites, nanofillers, and AI-assisted material optimization. Moreover, life cycle assessment (LCA) insights reveal the environmental advantages of these materials over conventional composites. The review concludes with a gap analysis and outlook emphasizing the need for standardized testing, durable bio-based matrices, scalable recycling solutions, and multifunctional integration.

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Review Paper

A Review on Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable Composites for Sustainable Solid Food Packaging: Focus on Barkcloth and Velvetleaf Fiber

Tukamuhebwa Richard* , Milon Selvam Dennison, Joseph Valerian Tesha*

*-*** Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda.

Richard, T., Dennison, M. S., and Tesha, J. V. (2025). A Review on Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable Composites for Sustainable Solid Food Packaging: Focus on Barkcloth and Velvetleaf Fiber. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 51-66.

Abstract

The growing environmental and health concerns associated with petroleum-based plastic packaging have intensified global efforts to develop sustainable alternatives. This review examines the application of natural fiber-based composites for solid food packaging, focusing on their environmental benefits, material properties, and potential to replace conventional plastics. In particular, the research investigates the creation and characterization of a biodegradable composite made from Ficus natalensis (barkcloth) and Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) fiber, with a matrix based on cassava starch. These materials present promising solutions for improving food safety, prolonging shelf life, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. The rise in consumer demand for single-use packaging that accommodates minimally processed and ready-to-eat foods has created substantial opportunities to reduce plastic pollution through innovations in natural fiber-based composites. This paper examines the documented research on different fiber orientations in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites, emphasizing their relevance for sustainable food packaging applications.

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Case Study

Design and Fabrication of Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell Folding Machine: A Case Study on Zimbabwe's Emerging Battery Industries

MicCurrie Hudube*

Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Hudube, M. (2025). Design and Fabrication of Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell Folding Machine: A Case Study on Zimbabwe's Emerging Battery Industries. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 67-75.

Abstract

Zimbabwe is endowed with significant lithium reserves, establishing the country as an important player in the global Lithium-ion battery (LIB) supply chain. However, a critical challenge is the lack of local battery manufacturing capabilities, which restricts value addition in this emerging sector. This paper presents the design and fabrication of a specialized Lithium-ion pouch cell folding machine aimed at enhancing Zimbabwe's nascent battery manufacturing industry. The machine effectively addresses essential gaps in local production by enabling automated, high-precision electrode folding, which is a crucial step in pouch cell production. Utilizing locally sourced materials wherever possible, the prototype demonstrates a folding accuracy of ±0.15 mm and achieves a production rate of 15 cells per minute, making it suitable for small-to medium-scale battery assembly operations. Economic analysis suggests that implementing such machinery could reduce Zimbabwe's reliance on imported battery components by as much as 40%, thereby fostering industrial growth and creating employment opportunities within the country. This advancement not only strengthens the domestic battery industry but also aligns with broader economic development objectives.

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i-manager's Journal on Material Science (JMS)

Current Issue Vol. 13 Issue 2

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Volume 13 Issue 2 July - September 2025

Development and Validation of a Real-Time Data-Driven Scheduling Model for Smart Yoghurt Manufacturing

Panashe S. Marivadzi* , Portia Mupfumira**, Tafadzwa Mukodi***

*-*** Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Marivadzi, P. S., Mupfumira, P., and Mukodi, T. (2025). Development and Validation of a Real-Time Data-Driven Scheduling Model for Smart Yoghurt Manufacturing. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 1-9.

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Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining Process on Duplex Steels using TOPSIS Method

Chengal Reddy V.* , Nishkala T.**, Nadhamuni Reddy C.***, Balaji M.****

*-**** Department of Mechanical Engineering, Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Reddy, V. C., Nishkala, T., Reddy, C. N., and Balaji, M. (2025). Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining Process on Duplex Steels using TOPSIS Method. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 10-18.

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Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Interior Applications: A Comprehensive Review

Alex Turyahabwe* , Milon Selvam Dennison **, Onep Samuel George***

*-*** Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda.

Turyahabwe, A., Dennison, M. S., and George, O. S. (2025). Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Interior Applications: A Comprehensive Review. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 19-50.

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A Review on Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable Composites for Sustainable Solid Food Packaging: Focus on Barkcloth and Velvetleaf Fiber

Tukamuhebwa Richard* , Milon Selvam Dennison**, Joseph Valerian Tesha***

*-*** Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda.

Richard, T., Dennison, M. S., and Tesha, J. V. (2025). A Review on Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable Composites for Sustainable Solid Food Packaging: Focus on Barkcloth and Velvetleaf Fiber. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 51-66.

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Design and Fabrication of Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell Folding Machine: A Case Study on Zimbabwe's Emerging Battery Industries

MicCurrie Hudube*

Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Hudube, M. (2025). Design and Fabrication of Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell Folding Machine: A Case Study on Zimbabwe's Emerging Battery Industries. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(2), 67-75.

Abstract

References

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Panashe S. Marivadzi* , Portia Mupfumira, Tafadzwa Mukodi*

Chengal Reddy V.* , Nishkala T., Nadhamuni Reddy C.*, Balaji M.****

Alex Turyahabwe* , Milon Selvam Dennison , Onep Samuel George*

Tukamuhebwa Richard* , Milon Selvam Dennison, Joseph Valerian Tesha*