Latest news with #GreenTechRevolution
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
IIT-G researchers develop bamboo composite for automotive interiors
1 2 Guwahati: In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) transformed local bamboo into high-performance automotive materials. They developed an eco-friendly composite material made of 'Bambusa tulda', a fast-growing bamboo species in the northeast, combined with biodegradable polymers. " Due to its high strength, thermal stability, low moisture absorption, and cost-effectiveness, the developed composite is a suitable replacement for conventional plastics used in automotive interiors," an IIT-G spokesperson said on Thursday. Led by Prof Poonam Kumari of the mechanical engineering department of IIT-G, 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 were 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-G. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo Kumari said, "The 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 a similar cost and lead to fulfilling SGD goals (7, 8, and 9). This development is in line with the Make in India policy under the Green Tech Revolution." The IIT-G 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, they 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," the researchers said. While these formulations had distinct strengths, the research team noted that none of them had all the properties to provide a balanced and high-performing option. To identify the same, the team used Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), a structured evaluation method. The results observed that the bamboo composite made with bio-based epoxy FormuLite was the best-performing option with low moisture absorption, significant thermal stability, and mechanical strength. "The cost-effective nature of the composite, priced at Rs 4300/kg, makes it an eco-friendly solution for automotive parts, such as vehicle dashboards, door panels, and seat backs, among others," they added. The team is currently conducting a full life cycle assessment of the developed composite to measure its environmental impact from production to disposal. As the next step, the research team is planning to apply industrial techniques such as compression modelling and resin transfer to scale up production.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
IIT-Guwahati researchers develop bamboo-based composite for greener automobile interiors
NEW DELHI: Offering a practical, eco-friendly substitute for plastic components in cars, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a bamboo-based composite that can be used in dashboards, seat backs, and door panels, combining high mechanical strength with low environmental impact. These composites can even replace plastic or wood parts in electronics, furniture, and building materials The material, made using Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species from Northeast India, is reinforced with biodegradable polymers and has demonstrated strong performance in terms of thermal stability, tensile strength, and moisture resistance, key requirements for automotive interiors. The research, led by Poonam Kumari, professor in the department of mechanical engineering, addresses the growing need to reduce plastic waste and transition towards renewable materials in industrial applications. The team tested four bamboo-based formulations using both bio-based and conventional epoxies, evaluating them on 17 parameters including tensile strength, thermal resistance, water absorption, and production cost. To identify the most balanced formulation, the researchers applied a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, which pointed to a bio-epoxy blend made with FormuLite as the most suitable option. This variant demonstrated high tensile strength (144.76 MPa), significant thermal stability (glass transition temperature of 111.72°C), and the lowest moisture absorption (4.49%). The cost was also competitive at Rs 4,300 per kilogram, making it suitable for components like dashboards, seat backs, and door panels. 'These composites can replace plastic or wood parts not just in automobiles but also in electronics, furniture, and building materials,' said Kumari. 'Their use aligns with India's Green Tech Revolution and Make in India goals, and supports several Sustainable Development Goals.' The team also performed a life-cycle assessment of the material, with plans to scale up production using industrial processes like resin transfer and compression moulding. The research has been published in Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature), with Kumari co-authoring the paper alongside her PhD students Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni. The initiative builds on IIT-Guwahati's broader sustainability agenda, reflected in its high ranks in both the NIRF and global SDG-based rankings. With this development, the institute adds momentum to the use of indigenous materials in high-performance engineering applications.
