GUWAHATI A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) have fused bamboo with biodegradable polymers to develop a composite material as a suitable replacement for conventional plastics used in automotive interiors.
The cost-effective and eco-friendly composite made from Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species grown across India’s northeast, has potential applications in furniture, electronics, and packaging industries too, the researchers said.
The team said properties such as high strength, thermal stability, and low moisture absorption make the composite a greener alternative to plastics.
The findings of the team’s research were published in the journal Environment, Development and Sustainability. The paper is co-authored by Poonam Kumari, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and research scholars Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni.
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, 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.
While these formulations had distinct strengths, none of them possessed all the properties necessary to provide a balanced and high-performing option. To address the issue, the team employed a structured evaluation method known as Multi-Criteria Decision-Making.
The team identified the bamboo composite made with bio-based epoxy FormuLite as the best-performing option with low moisture absorption, significant thermal stability, and mechanical strength.
“The cost-effective nature of the composite, priced at ₹4300 per kilogram, makes it an eco-friendly solution for automotive parts, such as vehicle dashboards, door panels and seat backs, among others,” the paper stated.
“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, or plastic components and will have similar cost and help fulfil the sustainable development goals,” Dr. Kumari said.
Published – July 25, 2025 03:50 am IST
