IIT Guwahati converts bamboo into high-performance automotive materials

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a composite material from Bambusa tulda, a bamboo species from Northeast India, and biodegradable polymers. This material offers properties that make it a suitable replacement for conventional plastics in automotive interiors.

Dr Poonam Kumari, professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, led the research. This work addresses plastic waste and the demand for greener materials, especially in automotive manufacturing. The journal Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature) published the research findings in a paper co-authored by Professor Poonam Kumari, and research scholars Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni from IIT-Guwahati.

IIT-Guwahati researchers tested four bamboo-based composite formulations. These formulations included bambusa tulda fibers reinforced with bio-based or petroleum-based epoxies. The team treated the bamboo fibers with alkali, which improved compatibility with the base polymer and increased durability. Researchers evaluated the developed formulations on 17 parameters, including tensile strength, thermal resistance, impact durability, water absorption, and cost per kilogram.

While individual formulations showed distinct strength, no single formulation offered a balanced and high-performing option. To identify such an option, the team employed Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), a structured evaluation method. According to the results, the bamboo composite made with bio-based epoxy FormuLite performed best. It demonstrated low moisture absorption, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. The composite costs INR 4300-per-kilogram. This makes it a solution for automotive parts, including vehicle dashboards, door panels, and seat backs.

Dr Poonam Kumari stated the developed composite can find use in designing components for consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace, and sustainable building materials. The product will replace wood, iron, and plastic components, will have a similar cost, and will help fulfil SGD goals (7, 8, and 9). This development aligns with the Make-in-India policy under green tech revolution.

The team currently conducts a full life cycle assessment of the developed composite to measure its environmental impact from production to disposal. The research team plans to apply industrial techniques, such as compression moulding and resin transfer, to scale up production.