New Delhi, Apr 13 – Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have made significant strides in the development of bamboo-based composite materials that could serve as sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials like wood, iron, and other metals used in bunkers and defense shelters.

The innovative bamboo composites exhibit bending strength comparable to that of metallic components and boast bullet-proof capabilities. These materials are currently undergoing testing by the Indian Army, highlighting their potential military applications.

Admeca Composites Pvt Ltd, a start-up incubated at IIT-Guwahati, has successfully fabricated bamboo-based composite components on a laboratory scale and evaluated their mechanical properties. In a groundbreaking achievement, the research team has developed six-foot structural components, including I-section beams and flat panels, utilizing bamboo strips combined with epoxy resin.

Poonam Kumari, a professor at IIT-Guwahati, emphasized the environmental benefits of bamboo composites, stating, “Due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio, materials such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, and sandwich composites are prevalent in aerospace, civil, and naval sectors. However, they pose significant environmental challenges during production and disposal.” With increasing restrictions on deforestation and a global push for green alternatives, the researchers are advocating for bamboo-based composites as a viable substitute.

Bamboo is particularly advantageous due to its rapid growth, maturing within four to five years, in stark contrast to traditional hardwood trees like Saal or Teak, which can take up to 30 years to mature. This lightweight and eco-friendly material has a long history of use in furniture, huts, and single-storey cottages.

Despite over 4,500 research articles exploring the properties of bamboo composites, their potential for structural and high-load applications remains largely untapped. Initial tests have shown that these bamboo composites not only possess bending strength on par with metallic components but also offer aesthetic appeal and significant weight advantages.

Kumari further revealed that a sandwich composite block made from bamboo has been successfully tested for defense applications, including bunker protection. These composite panels demonstrated exceptional resilience under heavy loads of up to 200 kg and passed bullet-firing tests, underscoring their suitability for military structures.

The research team is now focused on enhancing the robustness and scalability of these bamboo composite panels for commercial applications in the construction and defense sectors. “Our objective is to provide an eco-friendly, high-strength alternative to traditional materials. Bamboo composites not only decrease reliance on wood and metals but also bolster local economies by utilizing renewable resources that are readily available,” Kumari concluded.