Research Projects

Composites are the material which is made up of two or more integrant materials having notably different properties, on combining forms a material having different characteristics then the individual integrant, and the individual integrant remains separate within the structure with an interface. Natural fiber reinforced composite has drawn the attention of construction engineers due to its various advantageous properties such as low cost, environment friendly, ease of availability and nontoxic nature. Basalt fiber is a mineral-based fiber obtained from volcanic basalt rock using thermo chemical process. As an alternative of carbon and glass fiber, basalt fiber reinforced polymer composite can come into effect, as the carbon fiber has low adhesion ability than glass and basalt fiber because of its self-lubricating properties. Color of the basalt fiber is dark due to the high iron content and provides good interface between fiber and matrix due to the high surface roughness than other fiber. Although the strength of the carbon and glass fiber is higher than the basalt fiber, still the basalt fiber is considered as a good alternative for various applications due to the high carbon emission of carbon and Glass fibers, CO2 emission of the carbon and glass fiber. Grewia optiva is also known by its local name Bhimal or Bihul, which is a deciduous tree having around 10 meter height and found mainly in the hilly region of India states (Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himanchal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunanchal Pradesh). Grewia optiva tree is a multipurpose tree which provides fiber, fuel wood, fodder for animals, edible fruit, can be used for the medicinal purpose. Till date very less work has been done on this fiber, thus it is required to use this eco-friendly fiber for their own importance. The research proposal aims to reduce the weight of structure in hilly areas by increasing the application of light weight construction material (local fiber based composites) in land slide prone areas of Uttarakhand and to reduce the high transportation cost and labor charges in carrying the heavy construction material in sensitive hilly areas. Utilization of local Grewia optiva (Bhimal) natural fiber for fabrication of light weight Grewia optiva/Basalt natural fiber reinforced polymer composite sheet having good strength and durability, will generate employment opportunity in the Himalayan region, and will help to prevent migration of people from the hilly areas of India. It will help to prevent the increasing land slid problem by promoting the construction of sustainable structure. Grewia optiva fiber is obtained from Grewia optiva tree, which is a multipurpose tree, used as a fiber, fuel wood, edible fruit, fodder for animals and can be used for the medicinal purpose.