Exploring the applicability of blockchain technology to enhance manufacturing supply chains in the composite materials industry

Abstract

The decentralized transaction and data management technology that characterizes blockchain can have a significant impact on manufacturing supply chains. This paper aims to investigate the applicability of blockchain technology in the supply chain of composite materials/carbon fibre, in particular the manufacturing of structures and components relying on semi-finished materials such as prepregs (preimpregnated) which require temperature-controlled transportation and storage conditions. In composite materials distributed ledger/blockchain technology can be used for the purpose of tamper proof history of product manufacturing, provenance, transportation, handling and storage.