IIT Guwahati Innovates Bamboo for Automobile Use

Fast Summary

• Researchers from IIT Guwahati have developed an eco-pleasant bamboo-based composite material to replace conventional plastics in automotive interiors.
• The composite is made using Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species grown in northeast India, combined with biodegradable polymers.
• Key features of the material include high strength, thermal stability, and low moisture absorption, positioning it as a lasting option for industries such as furniture, electronics, and packaging.
• Four formulations were tested for tensile strength, thermal resistance, water absorption, durability, and cost-effectiveness; among them was FormuLite with bio-based epoxy identified as the best-performing option.
• Priced at ₹4300 per kilogram, this composite can be used for vehicle dashboards and door panels while maintaining environmental sustainability goals.
• The findings were published in Environment Development & Sustainability journal and co-authored by Poonam Kumari (Professor) alongside research scholars Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni.

Indian opinion Analysis

The development of this bamboo-based composite demonstrates significant progress in leveraging indigenous resources like Bambusa tulda to address environmental concerns linked to plastic use. It highlights India’s potential leadership role in sustainable innovation. Such advancements could considerably reduce dependency on non-biodegradable materials in multiple sectors including automotive manufacturing-a vital industry for boosting India’s economy.

Moreover, the structured approach using Multi-Criteria Decision-making ensures practicality by balancing cost efficiency (₹4300/kg) with functional properties required for real-world applications. Though, scaling production while maintaining affordability remains a crucial challenge before widespread adoption can occur. if successful commercialization proceeds effectively within India’s infrastructure capacities-such as aligning industry efforts via public-private partnerships-it may bolster objectives tied to Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs).Read more: [Published july 25th 2025 – IST]