Why in the News?
IIT Guwahati researchers have created a strong, eco-friendly material using bamboo and biodegradable plastic to replace regular plastic in car interiors and other uses.
About the Bamboo-Polymer Composite:
- Origin: Made using Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo from Northeast India.
- Composition: Reinforced with bio-based and petroleum-based epoxies for strength.
- Objective: Reduce dependence on synthetic plastics in industrial sectors.
- Process: Bamboo fibres undergo alkali treatment to bond well with polymers.
- Evaluation: Tested across 17 parameters—tensile strength, water resistance, cost, etc.
Key Features and Benefits:
- High Strength: Suitable for load-bearing automotive components.
- Thermal Stability: Can withstand high interior vehicle temperatures.
- Low Moisture Absorption: Ideal for humid environments.
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable, lowers environmental impact.
- Cost-Effective: ₹4300 per kg—commercially viable.
- Best Variant: Bamboo + bio-based epoxy FormuLite chosen through performance scoring.
Applications:
- Automotive: Dashboards, door panels, seat backs.
- Electronics & Packaging: Lightweight, durable material.
- Aerospace: Used for sustainable composite components.
- Construction: Green alternative for interiors and fixtures.
| [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:
1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of the components used in automobiles and aircrafts. 2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?” Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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