In recent years, air travel has become significantly affordable, making it accessible to a wider population. What was once a luxury reserved for a select few is now a practical mode of transportation for many. A key factor behind this shift is the innovation in materials used in aircraft construction. Composites, which now account for over 50% of the weight in commercial airplanes, have revolutionised the industry. These lightweight materials offer the strength and durability needed for safe flights while significantly reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. This weight reduction not only makes flying more economical but also allows planes to carry more passengers and cargo, benefiting both airlines and travellers.
The advantages of composites extend far beyond aerospace. In the automotive industry, luxury and high-performance cars are increasingly incorporating composites to replace traditional metal parts. This shift enhances both performance and fuel efficiency by reducing vehicle weight. Composites have also found widespread use in structural engineering, particularly in western countries where they are employed to repair aging infrastructure like bridges, significantly extending their lifespan without requiring full reconstruction. In the world of sports, composite materials have replaced metals in products such as badminton and tennis racquets, offering athletes lighter, stronger equipment that boosts performance. Additionally, composites can absorb energy more effectively, reducing the long-term physical strain on athletes and improving their overall wellbeing.
To harness the immense potential of composite materials, Ahmedabad University, in partnership with the Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association (ATIRA) — a pioneer in composite design, development, and testing, and recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of India — has introduced specialised Master of Technology (MTech) and Postgraduate Diploma programmes in Composites. These programmes are meticulously crafted to empower students with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on expertise, preparing them to lead in industries where composites are revolutionising performance, sustainability, and innovation.
So, what exactly are composites, and why has their significance surged in recent decades? Traditional metals, while strong and durable, are finite resources and face increasing scarcity, as seen with the depletion of lithium used in electric vehicle batteries. This growing resource crisis has spurred scientists to seek alternative materials that are more sustainable and resource efficient. Composites have emerged as a powerful solution, offering the ability to meet the demands of modern industries while addressing environmental concerns and material shortages.
Composites offer a versatile solution to the growing scarcity of metals by replacing them in numerous critical industries and everyday applications. What sets composites apart is their adaptability—unlike metals, which have fixed properties, composites can be customised and properties tailored for specific uses. By adjusting factors such as fibre orientation and bonding agents, scientists can create materials that precisely match the requirements of any given application. To highlight the practical applications of composites, let's explore two groundbreaking projects currently being developed by professors at Ahmedabad University.
Hemant Chouhan, Associate Professor at Ahmedabad University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, has been at the forefront of composite research, particularly in the design of Advanced Ballistic for High Energy Defeat (ABHED) Bulletproof Jackets. In his previous role, he developed composite-based bulletproof jacket that significantly enhance the mobility of soldiers while maintaining high protection standards. By employing advanced composites, Professor Chouhan achieved a substantial reduction in the weight of BIS Level-5 jackets, designed to withstand AK-47 bullets, from 10.4 kg to 8.2 kg—a remarkable 20% improvement. His extensive research focuses on optimizing composite materials to balance weight, thickness, and protective capabilities for military personnel. At Ahmedabad University, he is now advancing this research to develop even more effective composite solutions for defense applications.
In another pioneering effort, Professor Sham Gurav, Professor of Practice of Engineering at Ahmedabad University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, has focused his research on using composites to create assistive devices for the differently abled. Mobility is crucial to enhancing the quality of life, yet rising cases of disability due to unhealthy work conditions, stress, and lifestyle choices are cutting short people's active years. Professor Gurav’s work explores how composites can be a game-changer in this field by offering innovative solutions that traditional materials struggle to achieve. His research aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and real-world consumer needs, making life-changing mobility aids more accessible and effective.
Despite the remarkable advancements and the rapid growth of application-based research in composites, the field remains relatively young compared to the centuries-long study of metals. While metals have been perfected through extensive research over time, composites have only been actively explored in recent decades. This leaves vast opportunities for discovery in the manufacturing, processing, and application of composite materials. For researchers and aspiring engineers, especially in India where opportunities are expanding, this represents an exciting and promising career path. There is much to explore in developing more efficient, sustainable, and innovative composite solutions, offering a wealth of potential for those eager to drive progress in this dynamic field.
Building on this vision, Ahmedabad University, in partnership with the Composites Excellence Centre of Asia, organised Composite Industry National Conference and Exhibition (CINCE). This event brought together leading industry experts, academicians, and researchers to discuss the future potential of composites, share insights, and drive innovation in this transformative field. The conference served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the growing significance of composites in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive and beyond.