New Delhi: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an eco-friendly composite material using Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species found in northeast India, combined with biodegradable polymers, officials said on Thursday.

Due to its high strength, thermal stability, low moisture absorption and cost effectiveness, the composite is considered a suitable replacement for conventional plastics used in automotive interiors.

The findings have been published in the journal Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature).

Led by Poonam Kumari, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the research aims to tackle the problem of plastic waste and meet the growing global demand for greener materials, especially in the automotive industry.

“The researchers tested four bamboo-based composite formulations consisting of Bambusa tulda fibres reinforced with bio-based or petroleum-based epoxies. Alkali treatment was used to improve fibre compatibility with the base polymer, enhancing durability for real-world applications,” Kumari said.

The formulations were evaluated across 17 parameters, including tensile strength, thermal resistance, impact durability, water absorption and cost per kilogram.

Since each formulation had unique strengths, the team applied Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), a structured evaluation approach, to identify the most balanced option.

“The bamboo composite made with bio-based epoxy FormuLite emerged as the best performer, with low moisture absorption, significant thermal stability and strong mechanical properties. Priced at Rs 4,300 per kilogram, it offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for parts like vehicle dashboards, door panels and seat backs,” she added.

The developed composite can also be used in consumer electronics, aerospace, and sustainable building materials, replacing traditional materials like wood, iron and plastic, and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Make in India initiative under the Green Tech Revolution.

The team is currently conducting a full life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of the composite, from production to disposal. For scaling up, they plan to use industrial techniques such as compression moulding and resin transfer.