IIT Guwahati in India Develops Eco-Friendly Composite Material Using Local Bamboo for Automotive Interiors

On July 24, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) developed an eco-friendly composite material made from "Bambusa tulda," a fast-growing bamboo species from Northeast India, combined with biodegradable polymers. Due to its high strength, good thermal stability, low moisture absorption, and cost-effectiveness, this composite material is highly suitable to replace traditional plastics used in automotive interiors.

Image source: IIT Guwahati

This study, led by Dr. Poonam Kumari, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also offers a solution to meet the growing global demand for green materials, especially in the automotive industry.

This research achievement has been published in the journal Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature). The paper was co-authored by Professor Poonam Kumari and her research scholars, Mr. Abir Saha and Mr. Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati tested four bamboo-based composite formulations composed of bamboo fibers reinforced with either bio-based or petroleum-based epoxy resins. By treating the bamboo fibers with alkali, the team improved their compatibility with the base polymer, thereby enhancing the durability for practical use. Subsequently, the researchers evaluated the developed formulations based on 17 different parameters, including tensile strength, heat resistance, impact resistance, water absorption, and cost per kilogram.

Although the strengths of these formulations vary, none possess all the characteristics required to provide a balanced high-performance solution. To find the best solution, the team used a structured evaluation method—Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). The results showed that bamboo composites made with bio-based epoxy resin FormuLite performed the best, exhibiting low moisture absorption, high thermal stability, and high mechanical strength. This composite is cost-effective, priced at 4,300 INR per kilogram, making it an eco-friendly solution for automotive components such as dashboards, door panels, and seat backs.

Dr. Poonam Kumari stated, "The developed composite materials can be used to design components in fields such as consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and sustainable building materials. This product will replace wood/iron/plastic components and have similar costs and advantages to achieve SGD goals (7, 8, and 9)."

The team is currently conducting a life cycle assessment of the developed composite materials to evaluate their environmental impact from production to disposal. Next, the research team plans to apply industrial techniques such as compression molding and resin transfer to scale up production.