NIT Rourkela Secures Patent for Stronger FRP Composite Technology
NIT Rourkela researchers secured patent No. 596943 for a composite manufacturing technology that enhances FRP composite strength and durability using graphene nanoplatelets alignment.
Researchers at National Institute of Technology Rourkela have secured patent No. 596943 for a composite manufacturing technology that enhances strength and durability of fiber-reinforced polymer composites by aligning graphene nanoplatelets through thickness using a 50 Hz AC electric field during curing. The patent, awarded on July 31, 2026, involves a team from NIT Rourkela’s Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department and MNIT Jaipur, and aims to improve performance in aerospace, automotive and renewable energy sectors.
Fiber‑reinforced polymer composites are valued for their high strength‑to‑weight ratio, fatigue resistance, design flexibility and corrosion resistance, which makes them suitable for commercial aircraft, defence platforms, space launch vehicles, high‑speed rail, renewable energy systems and hydrogen storage tanks. However, their performance can suffer when subjected to heavy pressure, leading to cracks, separation of layers and reduced durability. To overcome this limitation, the NIT Rourkela‑led research team developed a three‑dimensional reinforced composite.
What does the patented technology do?
The technology produces a three‑dimensional reinforced composite that combines glass fibers with graphene nanoplatelets aligned through the thickness of the material during manufacturing. This alignment creates a stronger internal structure, allowing the fibers, graphene and epoxy matrix to work together more effectively. The result is a tougher and more durable composite. It directly addresses the limitation of conventional FRP composites, which can suffer from cracks, separation of layers and reduced performance.
How is the manufacturing process carried out?
Researchers used a simple modification of the conventional manufacturing method, applying a standard 50 Hz AC electric field at 800 volts during the curing stage. This field aligns unmodified graphene nanoplatelets within the glass‑fibre‑reinforced epoxy composite. The process remains compatible with existing composite production techniques.
Where could the innovation be applied?
According to Dr Rajesh Kumar Prusty, the technology can be used in aircraft panels, automotive crash structures, wind turbine blades, pressure vessels, marine structures and other advanced engineering components. These applications require lightweight yet damage‑tolerant materials. Prof Bankim Chandra Ray added that improving durability while reducing weight could lower maintenance costs, improve energy efficiency and support sustainable manufacturing practices. He said the innovation can play a significant role in supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in advanced materials.
Why is this development significant?
The patent is described as a major milestone in composite materials for high‑performance engineering applications. It represents the continuous collaborative work of the research team from NIT Rourkela and MNIT Jaipur. The team comprises Dr Rajesh Kumar Prusty (Assistant Professor), Prof Bankim Chandra Ray (Professor) and Parimal Jana (Research Scholar) from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at NIT Rourkela, together with Dr Dinesh Kumar Rathore from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MNIT Jaipur. Patent No. 596943 was announced on July 31, 2026.
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What patent number did NIT Rourkela secure?
Patent No. 596943.
Who are the researchers involved in the patented technology?
Dr Rajesh Kumar Prusty (Assistant Professor), Prof Bankim Chandra Ray (Professor), Parimal Jana (Research Scholar) from NIT Rourkela’s Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and Dr Dinesh Kumar Rathore from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MNIT Jaipur.
What does the patented technology improve in fiber-reinforced polymer composites?
It increases the strength and durability of FRP composites by aligning graphene nanoplatelets through the thickness during manufacturing.
How is the manufacturing process carried out according to the patent?
Researchers applied a standard 50 Hz AC electric field at 800 volts during the curing stage of conventional composite manufacturing to align unmodified graphene nanoplatelets within the glass‑fibre‑reinforced epoxy composite.
What are the potential applications of this technology?
The technology can be used in aircraft panels, automotive crash structures, wind turbine blades, pressure vessels, marine structures and other advanced engineering components requiring lightweight yet damage‑tolerant materials.
What limitation of conventional FRP composites does the technology address?
It addresses the limitation where conventional FRP composites can crack, separate layers and suffer reduced performance under heavy pressure.
How does the innovation support national initiatives?
According to Prof Bankim Chandra Ray, the innovation can lower maintenance costs, improve energy efficiency, support sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in advanced materials.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
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