IIT Guwahati makes bamboo-based plastic alternative
In a groundbreaking innovation that could significantly reduce plastic waste, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a bamboo-based composite material that can replace traditional plastics in car interiors. The new material, created by combining Bambusa tulda bamboo and biodegradable polymers, is strong, heat-resistant, and low-cost, making it an attractive option for dashboards, door panels, and other automotive components.
The development of this eco-friendly composite material is a significant step towards sustainability, aligning with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports. The innovation also paves the way for a greener future in the automotive industry, which has been a major contributor to plastic waste and pollution.
The research team, led by Dr. Sujit Kumar Ghosh, Assistant Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering at IIT Guwahati, used a unique combination of bamboo fibers and biodegradable polymers to create the composite material. The bamboo fibers were extracted from Bambusa tulda, a type of bamboo commonly found in the northeastern region of India, and then treated with various chemicals to enhance their mechanical properties.
The biodegradable polymers used in the composite material were chosen for their ability to degrade naturally in the environment, reducing the risk of plastic pollution and microplastic contamination. The polymers were also designed to have a low carbon footprint, making the composite material a more sustainable option than traditional plastics.
The resulting composite material was found to possess impressive mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, good flexural strength, and excellent thermal insulation. The material was also found to be resistant to heat and moisture, making it suitable for use in automotive applications where exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity is common.
The development of this bamboo-based composite material has significant implications for the automotive industry, which is one of the largest consumers of plastics worldwide. Traditional plastics used in car interiors are not only non-biodegradable but also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the production and disposal of plastics have significant environmental impacts, including the release of greenhouse gases, pollution of oceans and land, and loss of biodiversity. The use of bamboo-based composites could significantly reduce these impacts, making the automotive industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The innovation is not only a win for the environment but also for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The development of a domestic alternative to traditional plastics could create new opportunities for Indian manufacturers, reducing dependence on foreign imports and creating jobs in the manufacturing sector.
The researchers at IIT Guwahati have filed a patent for their innovative composite material and are working with industry partners to scale up production and commercialize the technology. The development of this eco-friendly material is expected to have far-reaching implications for various industries, including automotive, packaging, and construction, and could play a significant role in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.
