ATIRA to research for light weight CNG cylinders, pre-fab houses

Soon, industry would be able to produce innovative products made out of composites such as light weight CNG cylinders made out of composites, prefabricated houses, among other things, courtesy ATIRA.

The Ahmedabad Textile Industrial Research Association (ATIRA) has sought assistance from the Ministry of Textiles for several such research projects that it intends to start at its campus. What's more, the institute is hoping to attract industry collaboration for potential commercialisation of the products.

"There are numerous applications of composites as technical textiles and it can replace the conventional materials such as steel and iron in some cases. To begin with, we intend to research and innovate in developing applications of composites for CNG or LPG cylinders, prefabricated houses, bridges or even train compartments. Composites not only give a better look and reduce weight but also enhance durability and reduce costs," said R M Sankar, principal scientific officer at ATIRA.

For instance, as against use of cement and gravel in building residential houses, use of composites in manufacturing prefabricated houses will not only help increase multiplicity but also reduce costs by at least 30-40 per cent, says ATIRA.

What's more, the institute is also in talks with ISRO for making space shuttle parts out of composites, said KK Mishra, chief executive officer at ATIRA. The institute also anticipates development of automotive solutions from composites through the research project that could further bring down cost of manufacturing.

Pegged at a project cost of anywhere between Rs 250-300 crore, ATIRA will be engaging in a slew of research projects and intends to produce prototypes right within its campus. "We are also in the process of constructing a new building that will manufacture prototypes as well as future samples for interested industrial parties who would want to commercialise the same," said Mishra.

Meanwhile, according to Mishra, about 70 per cent of the project cost will be borne by the central and state government while the rest would be funded by ATIRA.