From forest to factory: IIT Guwahati crafts bamboo into the future of auto parts

A team of researchers at IIT Guwahati has created a new environmentally friendly composite from locally sourced bamboo and biodegradable polymers, presenting a potential substitute for plastic in automotive manufacturing.

The material, made from Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species found in Northeast India, shows high mechanical strength, thermal stability, low moisture absorption, and competitive pricing.

It is suited for use in vehicle parts such as dashboards, seat backs, and door panels.

Dr Poonam Kumari from the Department of Mechanical Engineering led the project, testing four formulations by reinforcing bamboo fibers with both petroleum-based and bio-based epoxy resins.

The fibers were treated with alkali to enhance performance and tested against 17 technical parameters. Researchers used multi-criteria decision-making methods to evaluate results.

The most effective combination used a bio-based epoxy known as FormuLite, which delivered the strongest overall balance of performance, durability, and minimal water uptake.

“Developed composites can be used for designing components/parts in consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace, sustainable building materials, etc. The product will replace wood/iron/plastic components and will have a similar cost and lead to fulfilling SGD goals (7, 8, and 9). This development is in line with the Make in India policy under the Green Tech Revolution,” said Dr Kumari.

Priced at ₹4,300 per kilogram, the bamboo composite is also a cost-effective option for sectors like furniture, electronics, packaging, and construction.

IIT Guwahati is now conducting a life cycle assessment to gauge the product's environmental footprint.

Plans are underway to adopt mass production techniques such as compression molding and resin transfer to bring the material to industry.

The innovation reflects a broader push for sustainable solutions and supports India's national goals on climate resilience, resource efficiency, and green manufacturing.