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Applied Sciences
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Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy
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Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Sustainable Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2024) | Viewed by 32468

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Andrew Yeh Ching Nee

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117576, Singapore
Interests: manufacturing; augmented reality in manufacturing; product design; sustainable manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Soh Khim Ong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117576, Singapore
Interests: augmented reality; digital twins; advanced manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability has attracted increasing concern in the last several decades as the world combats global warning and climate change. Manufacturing, in particular, has often been labeled as the greatest contributor to environmental impact due to high energy consumption, toxic emission, and depletion of natural resources.

The focus of this Special Issue will address the various aspects of achieving manufacturing sustainability through case studies to achieve a much-needed circular economy. 

The topics to be covered in the Special Issue include but are not limited to the following headings:

  • Material selection for recyclability;
  • Environmental attributes of manufacturing processes;
  • Product lifecycle reduction of toxicity and energy consumption;
  • Design for remanufacturing;
  • Design for disassembly and disposal;
  • Lifecycle assessment tools and technologies.

Prof. Dr. Andrew Yeh Ching Nee
Prof. Dr. Soh Khim Ong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1061 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Resin Cement on the Surface of a Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic Restorative Material after Various Surface Treatments
by Georgia Georgiadou, Pantelis Kouros, Dimitrios Dionysopoulos, Petros Mourouzis and Kosmas Tolidis
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11927; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111927 - 31 Oct 2023
Viewed by 875
Abstract
With bonded restorations gaining rapid popularity in clinical dentistry, manufacturers have introduced a variety of bonding protocols and materials. These materials, including surface modifiers and cleaning agents, are designed to decontaminate surfaces and enhance bonding effectiveness. In this study, six different combinations of [...] Read more.
With bonded restorations gaining rapid popularity in clinical dentistry, manufacturers have introduced a variety of bonding protocols and materials. These materials, including surface modifiers and cleaning agents, are designed to decontaminate surfaces and enhance bonding effectiveness. In this study, six different combinations of mechanical and chemical modifications were tested on a lithium disilicate surface to determine the combination that offers optimal resistance to shear stresses. The tested surface modifications included 9% hydrofluoric acid, sandblasting with 29 μm aluminum oxide (Al2O3) particles, Ivoclean (a recently introduced decontamination agent), Monobond Etch & Prime (a one-stage etching and priming agent for ceramic surfaces), Monobond Plus (a silane agent), and the bonding agent Adhese Universal. Six different sequence combinations were tested and compared to the negative control group. The highest bond strength was achieved using all materials and cleansing methods in a logical order, while the bond strength was lowest in the absence of surface modification (control group). The results indicate a significantly positive influence on bond strength of silane coupling agents present in surface modifiers, including pure forms like Monobond Plus. Potential negative effects of cleansing agents or methods on bond strength were not observed. Multiple and separate stages in the treatment of the lithium disilicate surface positively impact bond strength. Cleansing agents may prove beneficial in clinical conditions, and they do not interfere with bonding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy)
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14 pages, 3807 KiB  
Article
Physical and Thermal Characterization of Achira (Canna edulis Ker) Fiber Obtained from Food Industry Waste in the Department of Cundinamarca, Colombia
by Zully-Esmeralda Gómez-Rosales, Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri, Leidy-Juliana Castiblanco-Moncada, María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero, Johanna-Karina Solano-Meza and David Orjuela-Yepes
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9522; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179522 - 23 Aug 2023
Viewed by 905
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in effectively managing agro-industrial waste. One promising approach that has gained attention is exploring this waste to develop new composite materials, especially polymeric materials, with diverse applications across various industries. This study focuses on [...] Read more.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in effectively managing agro-industrial waste. One promising approach that has gained attention is exploring this waste to develop new composite materials, especially polymeric materials, with diverse applications across various industries. This study focuses on comprehending the physical and thermal properties of fibrous residues derived from achira (Canna edulis Ker). To achieve this, several analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), have been conducted. Additionally, parameters such as moisture percentage, moisture absorption, bulk density, and lignin percentage have been calculated. The results indicate similarities between achira fibers and other characterized fibers, such as bamboo and other natural fibers studied in scientific research. Based on these findings, it is evident that integrating achira fibers into polymeric matrices is a feasible option. The results of this research offer an opportunity to utilize these materials and contribute to the advancement and strengthening of the recycled raw materials market, promoting sustainability and the circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy)
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14 pages, 2050 KiB  
Article
Environmental Inventory Analysis for Remanufacturing Initiative: Case Study of Air Conditioner Remanufacturing
by Aiman Ziout, Mohammed Alkahtani, Abd Elatty E. Abd Elgawad and Bashir Salah
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 6251; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12126251 - 20 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1454
Abstract
Remanufacturing is considered as the most preferable recovery option. The objective of this paper was to identify the environmental inventory of a remanufacturing initiative. A window-mount air conditioner (AC) was selected as a case study to verify the environmental benefits of remanufacturing a [...] Read more.
Remanufacturing is considered as the most preferable recovery option. The objective of this paper was to identify the environmental inventory of a remanufacturing initiative. A window-mount air conditioner (AC) was selected as a case study to verify the environmental benefits of remanufacturing a product characterized by high energy consumption during its life cycle phases. A life cycle approach was followed. The research aims to provide a reference case in the remanufacturing of products characterized by energy intensive use, of which an AC is one of them. The assessment was conducted with the guidance of the ISO 14044-2006 life cycle assessment (LCA). The significance of this study lies in the fact that it provides an authentic example wherein the environmental inventory of the remanufacturing process is identified and documented. It can be used in further studies to compare the environmental burden of remanufacturing processes to the process of manufacturing a new AC. The developed life cycle analysis can be utilized to help AC manufacturers make decisions about the overall environmental performance of their products if it goes through the remanufacturing cycle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy)
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16 pages, 659 KiB  
Article
Critical Materials Determination as a Complement to the Product Recycling Desirability Model for Sustainability in Malaysia
by Al Amin Mohamed Sultan, Yoong Qi Hang, Wan Hasrulnizzam Wan Mahmood, Mohd Shamsuri Md Saad and Paul Tarisai Mativenga
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3456; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073456 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
End-of-life waste disposal is a major issue in Malaysia, where the country’s economy has suffered due to waste recovery issues. Many countries have successfully identified critical materials and products for increasing recycling rates, but not in Malaysia. Thus, the Malaysian government and businesses [...] Read more.
End-of-life waste disposal is a major issue in Malaysia, where the country’s economy has suffered due to waste recovery issues. Many countries have successfully identified critical materials and products for increasing recycling rates, but not in Malaysia. Thus, the Malaysian government and businesses have had difficulty prioritising products for recycling. The absence of critical materials data has meant that a recovery strategy could not be planned wisely. In addition, the Product Recycling Desirability Model that was utilised by many countries to improve their recycling strategy could not be applied to Malaysia, as it requires critical materials data as input. To start with, Malaysia’s important materials have been identified. Next, two risk dimensions are defined: supply risk and material risk. The indicators are then weighted according to Malaysia’s scenarios. The scores are analyzed and applied to the Product Desirability Model to find desirable products for recycling. As a result, 89 materials were classified as critical to Malaysia’s economy, with palladium, rhodium, gold, platinum, and tellurium ranking first through to fifth. Critical materials scoring was used for the first time in Malaysia to comprehend the Product Recycling Desirability Model, a tool for prioritizing products for recycling. Additional analysis reveals that car batteries, tyres, PET bottles, mobile phones, and DVD-R are the top five most important recyclable products in Malaysia. With the material security database readily available and the novel evaluation system being employed to prioritize critical material supply, using risk supply and material security for Malaysia, the government, or private sector, can strategically start to implement recycling policies and initiatives to strengthen recycling efforts, which help to increase recycling rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy)
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15 pages, 5939 KiB  
Article
Predictive Maintenance for Remanufacturing Based on Hybrid-Driven Remaining Useful Life Prediction
by Ming Zhang, Nasser Amaitik, Zezhong Wang, Yuchun Xu, Alexander Maisuradze, Michael Peschl and Dimitrios Tzovaras
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3218; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073218 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3092
Abstract
Remanufacturing is an activity of the circular economy model whose purpose is to keep the high value of products and materials. As opposed to the currently employed linear economic model, remanufacturing targets the extension of products and reduces the unnecessary and wasteful use [...] Read more.
Remanufacturing is an activity of the circular economy model whose purpose is to keep the high value of products and materials. As opposed to the currently employed linear economic model, remanufacturing targets the extension of products and reduces the unnecessary and wasteful use of resources. Remanufacturing, along with health status monitoring, constitutes a key element for lifetime extension and reuse of large industrial equipment. The major challenge is to determine if a machine is worth remanufacturing and when is the optimal time to perform remanufacturing. The present work proposes a new predictive maintenance framework for the remanufacturing process based on a combination of remaining useful life prediction and condition monitoring methods. A hybrid-driven approach was used to combine the advantages of the knowledge model and historical data. The proposed method has been verified on the realistic run-to-failure rolling bearing degradation dataset. The experimental results combined with visualization analysis have proven the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy)
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30 pages, 4566 KiB  
Article
Sustainability in the Circular Economy: Insights and Dynamics of Designing Circular Business Models
by Usama Awan and Robert Sroufe
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031521 - 30 Jan 2022
Cited by 130 | Viewed by 18521
Abstract
The integration of sustainability in the circular economy is an emerging paradigm that can offer a long term vision to achieve environmental and social sustainability targets in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Developing scalable and sustainable impacts in circular economy [...] Read more.
The integration of sustainability in the circular economy is an emerging paradigm that can offer a long term vision to achieve environmental and social sustainability targets in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Developing scalable and sustainable impacts in circular economy business models (CEBMs) has many challenges. While many advanced technology manufacturing firms start as small enterprises, remarkably little is known about how material reuse firms in sociotechnical systems transition towards circular business models. Research into CEBMs integrating sustainability and environmental conservation is still in its early stages. There has been increased interest in sustainability and circular economy research, but current research is fragmented. The innovation surrounding CEBMs eludes some firms with relatively limited evidence of the transitional perspective necessary to integrate aspects of sustainability. This lack of evidence is especially applicable to the context of circular economy practices in small and medium enterprises in the United States regarding capabilities, operations obstacles, and elements of success in designing circular business models. Based on a qualitative, interview-based inductive study of a material reuse firm, our research develops a conceptual model of the critical success factors and obstacles that are part of implementing circular economy practices. Firms must first manage strategic enablers and monitor tactical enablers to achieve sustainability goals. In this study, we identify the underlying enablers of how these capabilities affect the transition to a CEBM that integrates sustainability. The framework emerging from our findings highlights the interplay of CEBM, innovation success factors, and obstacles at a micro-level. The investigation of a material reuse firm serves as the foundation for developing a framework for how managers can alter a company and revise the business model to transition towards a more innovative circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy)
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21 pages, 1754 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Potential Factors Influencing China’s Regional Sustainable Economic Growth
by Mingxing Li, Hongzheng Sun, Fredrick Oteng Agyeman, Mohammad Heydari, Arif Jameel and Hira Salah ud din Khan
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10832; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210832 - 16 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3771
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to screen out the most important factors affecting China’s economic growth. Based on a literature review and relevant financial theoretical knowledge, China’s economic growth factors are selected from international and domestic aspects. Four methods, including least squares [...] Read more.
The purpose of this article is to screen out the most important factors affecting China’s economic growth. Based on a literature review and relevant financial theoretical knowledge, China’s economic growth factors are selected from international and domestic aspects. Four methods, including least squares estimation, stepwise regression, ridge regression estimation, and Lasso regression, are used to screen and optimize 12 variables and analyze the degrees of influence empirically. The study finds that consumption levels and the development of the tertiary industry play significant roles in promoting China’s economic growth. Additionally, financial development and industrialization promote China’s economic growth, although in a gradual manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Sustainability in a Circular Economy)
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