Engineering Students Develop Super-Strength Tiles From Banana Fibre for a Sustainable Future!

The versatile banana plant, known for its innumerable uses beyond its fruit, has once again proven its worth in an innovative application. A group of engineering students has harnessed the strength of banana fibre to create tiles that surpass the durability of traditional ceramic tiles. These eco-friendly tiles, crafted by four students from MVJ College of Engineering, are not only incredibly strong but also waterproof, thanks to a special resin coating. Stronger Than Ceramic The banana fibre tiles have demonstrated a staggering strength of nearly seven times that of ceramic tiles. While ceramic tiles typically withstand pressures of up to 1,300 newtons, the banana fibre tiles can endure a remarkable 7,500 newtons, making them a promising alternative for various construction needs. Furthermore, in flexural tests, these tiles registered an impressive 52.37% megapascals, highlighting their exceptional weight-bearing capacity. Durability and Longevity Amit Kumar, one of the masterminds behind this innovative creation, sheds light on the intricate process involved in manufacturing these revolutionary tiles. The key lies in leveraging the high tensile strength of banana fibre and enhancing it further with the incorporation of a hardener and chemical solutions such as calcium carbonate and sodium hydroxide. These additives not only bolster the resistance and tensile strength of the composite but also contribute to its thickness, ensuring durability and longevity. The Process The meticulous construction of these tiles involves stacking multiple layers of banana fibre sheets at strategic angles—0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees—to optimize packing density. Subsequently, a vacuum is applied to facilitate tight packing before the resin coating is meticulously applied. This process, meticulously orchestrated by the students, results in tiles that boast unparalleled strength and resilience. The journey from raw materials to finished product spans approximately two months, encompassing meticulous material selection, fabrication of the composite material, and rigorous testing of mechanical properties. Each step is executed with precision and care, underscoring the students' dedication to delivering a superior product. Amit, along with his fellow teammates—Karthik, Parasanna, and Pruthviraja—emphasizes that their innovative tiles are still undergoing rigorous testing before they can be introduced to the market. Various parameters, including water resistance and overall durability, are meticulously evaluated to ensure that the tiles meet the highest standards of quality and performance. This breakthrough extends beyond its immediate application in tile manufacturing. It underscores the immense potential of sustainable materials, such as banana fibre, in paving the way for a greener future. By repurposing agricultural by-products and reducing reliance on traditional materials, initiatives like this offer a glimpse into a more sustainable and eco-conscious world.

IISC Bengaluru Scientists Develop a Sustainable Alternative To Replace Sand in Construction

In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the scarcity of natural resources poses a significant threat to sustainable development. One such crucial resource, natural sand, essential in construction, is depleting rapidly. However, at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, a team of visionary scientists is tackling this issue head-on. Transforming Waste into Building Blocks Led by Assistant Professor Souradeep Gupta at IISc's Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST), researchers are pioneering the utilization of captured carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial waste gases. By treating excavated soil and construction waste with CO2, they've devised a revolutionary method to create a viable alternative to natural sand. Enhancing Material Strength with CO2 The transformative potential of CO2-treated construction waste is remarkable. Through innovative processes, including curing in a CO2-rich environment, the material's compressive strength sees a substantial increase of 20-22%. Moreover, injecting CO2 into clay soil stabilizes it, improving its interaction with cement and lime and enhancing overall engineering performance. Pioneering 3D-Printable Eco-Materials Dr. Gupta's team isn't stopping there. They've developed 3D-printable materials using stabilized excavated soil combined with binders like cement, slag, and fly ash. These materials offer superior printability and have the potential to reduce the reliance on cement and sand by up to 50% each, paving the way for eco-friendly construction practices. Towards Industrial Adoption: Challenges and Opportunities As the research progresses, attention turns to the industrial scale. Future endeavors will explore the impact of industrial flue gas on these materials' properties, a crucial step towards widespread adoption. By aligning with the nation's decarbonization targets, this innovative approach not only addresses the sand scarcity crisis but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. The pioneering work of scientists at IISc that leads to the transformation of waste into valuable resources by harnessing CO2, lays the foundation for a greener tomorrow. By embracing these innovations, the construction industry can take a significant stride towards mitigating its environmental footprint and building a better world for generations to come. It's not just about constructing buildings; it's about constructing a future that's sustainable and resilient.