Archive · 31 Jul 2026
NIT Rourkela Secures Patent for 3D Reinforced Composite Technology
Scientists at NIT Rourkela invented a new way to make strong, lightweight materials that can be used in planes, cars, wind turbines, and more.
They added tiny sheets of graphene to glass fibers and used a special electric field while the material cured.
This makes the material stronger and less likely to crack.
Tests showed it can be up to 37% stronger in pulling tests and 53% tougher when it breaks.
The team wants to try it on bigger parts and work with companies to use it in real products.
NIT Rourkela has patented a 3D reinforced composite manufacturing process that improves strength and damage tolerance of FRP composites.
The technology uses glass fibers and graphene nanoplatelets aligned by a 50 Hz, 800‑volt electric field during curing.
Laboratory tests show up to 37 % higher tensile strength, 63 % better flexural modulus, and 53 % greater fracture toughness.
Potential applications include aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, defense, marine engineering, and hydrogen storage.
Researchers plan to test larger components and seek industry partnerships for commercial deployment.
- Who
- Researchers from NIT Rourkela and MNIT Jaipur
- What
- Patented 3D reinforced composite manufacturing technology
- Where
- National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
- Why
- To enhance strength, durability, and damage tolerance of FRP composites for various industries
- Patent Status
- Granted
- Technology
- 3D reinforced composite manufacturing
- Key Materials
- Glass fibers and graphene nanoplatelets
- Performance Gains
- Tensile +37%, Flexural Modulus +63%, Fracture Toughness +53%
- Potential Applications
- Aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, defense, marine engineering, hydrogen storage