NIT Rourkela waste recycling technology developments

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have secured patents for two distinct technologies focused on recycling waste into functional materials.

In August 2026, the institute patented a low-cost, portable extruder system designed to produce composite filaments for 3D printing. Developed at a cost of approximately Rs. 45,000, the setup includes an extruder, a controlled cooling system, and PID temperature controllers to ensure precision. This system utilizes recycled plastics to reduce reliance on virgin materials and aims to improve the mechanical properties of printed parts for use in biomedical, engineering, and drone manufacturing applications.

Concurrently, the research team developed a high-performance composite material for road construction. This technology repurposes coal mine and industrial waste—specifically silica, alumina, clay minerals, and fly ash—combined with a specialized binder. The innovation is intended to manage industrial waste while providing durable infrastructure for heavy vehicle traffic, particularly in mining regions.