Technical Textiles Can Help Tackle Corrosion Related Losses Of 4.3% Of India’s GDP: Dr Mohit Raina
Technical textiles can play a larger role in India’s building and construction sector by replacing or reducing corrosion-prone steel with fibre-based reinforcement and composite materials, according to Dr Mohit Raina, Managing Director, Raina Industries Pvt Ltd.
Speaking on “Innovations with Functional Textiles in Building and Construction”, Dr Raina highlighted applications of glass, carbon, polypropylene and other technical fibres that can make construction structures lighter, thinner and more resistant to corrosion.
Citing a report, Dr. Raina said corrosion-related losses could amount to around 4.3% of India’s GDP, making it a significant economic and infrastructure challenge.
“The major problem which we talk about in the building and construction sector today is the problem of corrosion,” he said, noting that steel remains the dominant reinforcing material in conventional construction.
One of the key technologies highlighted was textile-reinforced concrete, where technical fibres and textile structures are incorporated into concrete panels, precast elements and other construction components. Glass and carbon fibres can provide tensile strength without the corrosion associated with conventional steel reinforcement.
The technology can also contribute to lighter structures and lower material consumption. By reducing dependence on steel, construction components can potentially be made thinner, creating additional usable space while reducing structural weight.
Another emerging application is spacer fabric, which can be incorporated into concrete panels and building facades. The technology enables lightweight, large-format facade elements while reducing the volume of concrete required.
Dr Raina also highlighted 3D printing with fibre-reinforced materials, which can allow architects to create complex and organic building facades beyond conventional two-dimensional designs.
Origami-inspired textile structures represent another emerging application, with nonwovens and sheet materials folded into lightweight functional components. Such structures can provide properties including fire resistance while maintaining low weight.
The fourth area is prepreg technology, where fibre reinforcement is combined with resin systems to produce lightweight composite components for thin building panels and structural applications requiring high strength.
Dr Raina also highlighted pultruded fibre-reinforced polymer profiles, particularly those made from glass and carbon fibres. Already used extensively in industries such as oil and gas, these profiles are increasingly finding applications in construction for railings, fencing, ducts and other infrastructure components.
“These are five innovations, each of them very interesting, with a very big market space in the building and construction industry,” Dr Raina said.
He believes the adoption of fibre-based reinforcement and composite materials could open a significant new market for India’s technical textile industry while helping construction companies address corrosion, material consumption, weight and sustainability.
“India is only at 0.05%. There is a long way to go, a very big industry to cater to, and a big problem of corrosion to solve,” he said.
