GUWAHATI: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Researchers have developed an eco-friendly composite material made of ‘Bambusa tulda’, a fast-growing bamboo species in Northeast India, combined with biodegradable polymers. Due to its properties such as, high strength, thermal stability, low moisture absorption and cost effectiveness, the developed composite is a suitable replacement of conventional plastics used in automotive interiors.
Led by Dr. Poonam Kumari, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, the research not only addresses the problem of plastic waste, but also provides a solution to the growing global demand for greener materials, particularly in automotive manufacturing industries.
The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious journal, Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature), in a paper co-authored by Prof. Poonam Kumari, along with her research scholars Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni from IIT Guwahati.
IIT Guwahati researchers tested four bamboo-based composite formulations consisting of Bambusa tulda fibres reinforced with bio-based or petroleum-based epoxies. By treating the bamboo fibres with alkali, the team improved its compatibility with the base polymer resulting in enhanced durability for real-world use. The developed formulations were then evaluated on 17 different parameters to test their tensile strength, thermal resistance, impact durability, water absorption and cost per kilogram, among others.
Speaking about the developed composite, Dr. Poonam Kumari said, “Developed composite can be used for designing components/parts in consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace, sustainable building materials etc. The product will replace wood/iron/plastic components and will have similar cost and lead to fulfil SGD goals (7,8 and 9). This development is in line with Make in India policy under Green Tech Revolution,” stated a press release.
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