High Material Prices Research Articles

Effects of network structures on the production planning in closed-loop supply chains – A case study based analysis for lithium-ion batteries in Europe

The increasing demand for electric vehicles and related lithium-ion batteries leads to the implementation of battery production in Europe. Recently, legal obligations, high material prices, and supply risk of battery materials induced OEMs to set up recycling facilities or cooperate with battery recyclers. Different network structures emerged in this process. However, it remains unclear how the network structures influence the performance in the short-term. Therefore, a novel multi-stage, multi-product, multi-period production planning approach for closed-loop supply chains of lithium-ion batteries is developed. The model considers a spatial distribution of collection, recycling, repurposing, and production. Furthermore, the facilities of the OEM and suppliers a considered simultaneously. The collection is further divided into cost-free take-back of spent batteries and purchase of additional batteries. This approach enables the stakeholders of the closed-loop supply chain to counteract material shortages or price fluctuations. Subsequently, the effects of different network structures are analyzed based on a case study for closed-loop supply chains of lithium-ion batteries in Europe. The results indicate that centralized and decentralized networks can achieve adequate performance. In this context, the transformation toward closed-loop supply chains is beneficial for all network structures. Furthermore, circular factories outperform all network structures in the short term due to the in-house production of batteries and short transportation distances.

Configurable Organic Charge Carriers toward Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics.

Due to their solution processability and unique photoelectric characteristics, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown considerable promise in the area of renewable energy. Although their power conversion efficiency (PCE) has risen from 3.8% to 25.7% in only a few years, their short lifetime and high material prices continue to be key roadblocks to commercial viability. Charge transporting materials (CTMs), such as hole/electron transporting materials, are critical components in PSCs because they not only govern hole or electron extraction and transporting from the perovskite layer to the electrodes but also protect the perovskite from direct contact with the ambient environment. CTMs are split into two types: inorganic CTMs (ICTMs) and organic CTMs (OCTMs). Because of their inexpensive prices, well-adjusted energy levels, and low temperature solution-processed features, OCTMs have been more frequently explored and employed than ICTMs. Various forms of OCTMs with more straightforward synthetic pathways and better performance have been thoroughly researched. Recent achievements in the development of OCTMs will be discussed and evaluated on a molecular level in this study, which will include a systematic categorization of OCTMs based on molecular functionalization techniques. In order to achieve highly efficient and stable PSCs, we will present insights on the structure-property relationship in the design of OCTMs as well as device stability. We hope that this analysis will serve as a comprehensive reference to molecular design guidelines for various types of OCTMs, spurring greater research toward designing highly efficient and OCTMs for stable PSCs.

Influence of tool variables on wear when milling iron aluminide alloy Fe25Al1.5Ta [at.-%

Non-ferrous high-performance materials such as titanium- and nickel-base alloys are of great importance for the aerospace industry due to their advantageous properties. However, the high material prices of these alloys are a disadvantage. At the same time, iron aluminide alloys can feature similar mechanical and thermal properties combined with a significant economic advantage over other high-performance alloys. Thus, iron aluminides present a promising alternative to high priced non-ferrous alloys and have the potential to substitute established materials for components such as turbine blades.In aerospace part production, milling represents an important finishing process. Iron aluminides are considered difficult to cut materials. Therefore, occurring tool wear and its mechanisms are the primary issues in machining. These topics are not yet covered in depth by the prevailing knowledge base. In this paper, near-net-shape cast iron aluminide cross-samples were machined using ball end milling cutters to analyze the occurring tool wear and the performance of different milling tool systems. The results show a fundamental influence of the tungsten carbide substrate and the tool coating on tool wear when milling iron aluminide. The tools’ macro and micro geometry affect the active forces and stabilize the cutting edge. The present study provides insights about preferable tool variables that contribute to extending tool life in iron aluminide turbine blade production.

Timing Product Replacements under Uncertainty—The Importance of Material–Price Fluctuations for the Success of Products That Are Based on New Materials

Being first to market with new products is one of the most enduring pieces of strategic advice handed to managers. This view also emphasizes the importance of launching new products that are based on new materials as soon as possible. However, when the input costs of products that embody new materials are uncertain because of volatile material prices, the advantage of being an early mover comes along with the risk of paying unexpectedly high material prices. Real‐option theory suggests delaying material substitution under uncertainty even if the new material enables superior product performance. Firms who have created the flexibility to switch between alternative inputs can benefit from responding to opportunities or threats that arise from changes in the environment. The current study formalizes this logic in a switching‐option model and tests it on a sample of material substitution projects from the manufacturing sector. Our findings shed light on how input‐cost fluctuations influence the timing–performance relationship and bring into question the common advice to launch new products as soon as possible. Instead, our results suggest that firms who align the timing of market launch to trends and fluctuations of material prices improve their competitive positions. These insights suggest novel ways for new product development (NPD) managers how to successfully use external information at the back‐end of the NPD process and how to compete in an era defined by volatile material prices and technological change.

Induction technique in manufacturing preforms

The prepreg technology is a state-of-the-art method to produce high-performance CFRP parts. Due to the high material prices, the restricted process rate, and limitations to the component complexity, in future, more and more parts will be assembled by using liquid composite moulding. Especially in the case of series larger than 100 parts per year, the LCM technology offers the best cost-effectiveness. This technology is based on resin injection into dry multilayer fibre textiles (preforms). The Institute of Joining and Welding (TU, Braunschweig), together with the Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems (DLR), has elaborated a new technology to speed up the preform process, which is the most labour-intensive step within the LCM process chain. A novel concept to consolidate binder-coated fabrics is under development. By applying the high energy transfer rate of induction technology, it is possible to heat up a preform with rates up to 50 K/s to melt the binder and consolidate the preform.

Material Productivity in Food Manufacturing

AbstractMaterial prices have risen in food manufacturing, resulting in material productivity growth. This study estimates material productivity indexes for New Jersey's food‐manufacturing sector. A 21% material productivity growth is indicated for the 1964–84 period. The mechanism of material productivity growth is also investigated. Results suggest that greater material efficiency is encouraged by rising material prices, wage rates, and regulation, and by declining food prices. Short‐run impacts on material productivity are caused by input substitution; beyond‐the‐short‐run impacts are caused by material‐saving technological change. In some food‐manufacturing subsectors, higher material prices may bring lower revenues to material suppliers.