A broader application of biocomposites still faces many challenges regarding structural integrity, environmental resistance, and biodegradability. These issues are particularly important when their marine applications are considered. Therefore, this paper seeks to address the hygroscopicity, mechanical properties, and biofouling resistance of biocomposites made of epoxy resin with 28 m% bio-based carbon content reinforced with flax and hemp fibers. A series of experiments are performed to acquire water absorption rates, saturation limits, mass increase, tensile and flexural properties, interlaminar shear strength, impact resistance, and mass gain due to biofouling. All tests of mechanical properties are conducted before and after immersion in seawater. The acquired saturation limits of flax/epoxy and hemp/epoxy biocomposites amount to 7.5% and 9.8%, respectively. The water uptake causes the tensile and flexural properties to decrease by 26–74%, while interlaminar and impact strength increase for flax/epoxy and decrease for hemp/epoxy biocomposites. In addition, it is observed that in almost all cases, flax/epoxy has superior properties compared with hemp/epoxy biocomposites. It is expected that this research will motivate naval architects and classification societies to consider biocomposites as prospective hull materials that provide both structural integrity and environmental sustainability.

This paper presents the conformity assessment process of the epoxy coating thickness applied on water pipes made of gray cast iron with the specifications given for this kind of coating appliance. An epoxy coating was applied to prevent a special form of corrosion called the graphitization of cast iron. In order for the pipe to withstand its designed service life, it is necessary to ensure the required thickness of the applied coating. In accordance with the EN 877 norm, the thickness of the epoxy coating on the pipes for the projected corrosiveness of the environment C4 and the durability of 20 years is at least 70 μm and this indicates the required accuracy of the product. To achieve the desired product quality, statistical control of the coating application process was carried out and the impact of uncertainty associated with the measurement result was analyzed. Considering the quality of the coating application process and the quality of the measuring system, and to ensure the quality of products and to reduce consumer risk, the optimal thickness of the coating was determined.

The concept of Industry 4.0 envisions the flexibilization of production and high levels of automation of existing manufacturing processes. As an extension of this concept, Industry 5.0 assumes the adaptation of products to the individual needs of users, with a particular emphasis on creativity, personalization, sustainability, and an ethical approach to business. Within these concepts, the development of metal forming technology is also recognized. In addition to the usual mass production, the development of various roboforming ideas is steering this branch of industry towards greater flexibilization, as well as personalization of production. This supports the idea of sustainability, enables more precise determination of the quantity of required material and energy resources, and emphasizes quality over quantity. This paper provides an overview of metal forming technologies that belong to the domain of roboforming of sheet metals, from the basic idea in 1960s to the present day. These technologies have seen a marked tendency to accelerate in development over the past few years. The technologies are classified, and an overview of scientific papers proposing their development and application is provided, with a discussion of the fundamental production parameters that influence product quality as well as the production trend towards Industry 5.0.