Indian scientist Bisma Parveez redefines the automotive sector with a lightweight aluminium variant

The automotive industry has been pursuing lightweight construction to enhance acceleration and fuel efficiency. To address this challenge, Material Scientist Bisma Parveez from Srinagar, India has developed a new aluminium-infused material that promises to transform the automotive landscape.

Bisma, who has been pursuing the project for the past two years in Malaysia, commented: "Isn't it amazing that the world around us is made of materials and that we can always improve the materials to make our lives better."

After several unsuccessful attempts, Bisma and her supervisor, Dr. Ayuni Jamal, have successfully combined diamonds with porous aluminium to create a material that is 40% lighter than conventional car materials while being stronger and more compressible. Diamond particles were sourced from a lab in China, and the new material can be used as fillers in the Crash Boxes of cars. This component, located at the front end of a car, is the most important device for crash energy absorption.

Then, the worldwide pandemic took away the opportunity for her pathchanging work in the University Lab, "but the work solely depended on it, so I utilized that time to explore previous works while also publishing three review papers," Bisma asserted.

When she returned to the lab, the samples came out faulty, "followed by frustrations, disappointments, and finally hope," she felt nostalgic while repeating the experience.

"Eat, work, sleep and repeat, is all I did, all of it inside the lab," Bisma narrated.

Bisma's innovation has been recognized and awarded at the 8th annual International Invention Innovation Competition (ICAN) held in Toronto, Canada, in August 2023. Car manufacturers are now exhibiting Bisma's work to attract potential collaborators. Although the material can be used in other parts, Bisma and her supervisor are currently focusing on a single application.

"My material is lightweight and has compressibility, which is important at the time of car accidents to protect human lives and minimize the damage to car components," claims Bisma.

In addition to its positive impact on automotive safety, the new material can also benefit the environment. Although polymers are currently used to provide lightweight structures, they have limitations in strength and compressibility. The new material offers an alternative solution with better properties for compressibility and strength.

Bisma has published numerous articles in reputable journals to guide future researchers who want to continue this line of study. She believes there is still room for further research to reduce weight and improve strength, making the material even more promising. The material's compressibility property is essential in promoting car safety during accidents or impacts.

Bisma acknowledges that she owes her success to the support of her family and supervisor. She hopes her achievement will inspire other Kashmiri students to pursue their dreams and excel in their respective fields.