Coir
Natural fiber
Coconut
Whitish to brown
As coconut fibers, also known as coir, the fibers are referred to that are from the outer wrap of the coconut, the mesocarp, recovered and used as natural fibers. In this case, fibers from immature fruits into yarns and are thus woven into fabrics. Fibers of mature fruit can not be spun, however, because of its higher wood content.
Extraction
From the core wrapping unripe fruit fibers are obtained that can be processed into yarn. Are fiber bundles, which are obtained separately by a pectin degradation by microorganisms from the surrounding tissue. The fiber content is 32-44 %. For this, the mesocarp is first released from the stone core and then (called " roasting " ) to decompose the pectin, stored for several months in the water. Have proved to the brackish waters of lagoons, but now tanks are often used. After this " roasting " the fibers are traditionally solved by knocking ( today by machine) and still damp sorted by color and fineness. Coconut fibers are traded under the name of Coir. The name " coir " is derived from the two words " kayar " for rope or leash and " kayaru " which means twisted, from.
Properties
Coconut fibers to 45 % of lignin and 44 % cellulose. This has the consequence that the fibers are very flexible, strong and durable. In addition to their high Abrasionbeständigkeit, the fibers are also resistant to fungal and bacterial infection and can last for months-long moisture to decompose without. Coconut fibers are also insulating, sound-absorbing, anti-static and fire-resistant. The fibers have a density of about 1.15 g / cm ³ and a diameter of about 100 to 450 microns. With an average length of about 500 microns, the fibers are relatively short. The cell walls are thick-walled and the lumen is irregularly shaped. The tensile strength of 130-175 MPa and the rigidity 4-6 GPa are relatively low compared to other natural fibers such as flax or ramie, but they have a very high stretchability of up to 40 %.
Products made of coconut fiber
Coconut fibers are used for making ropes, mats, carpets and wall coverings. Center of the coir industry in Sri Lanka. Other large manufacturing plants are found along the coastal regions of the humid tropical regions of Asia, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. Fibers of mature and ripe fruit have a higher proportion of wood, can be spun and therefore not be used as stuffing for mattresses and upholstery or for thermal insulation. Furthermore, the fibers in the automotive industry, for mats, hats, baskets, rugs, mattress fillings, arts and crafts and for thermal insulation are used. Coconut fibers are due to their moisture resistance as geotextiles for erosion control and as torffreies plant substrate used in horticulture ( coco peat ). More recently coconut fibers used as reinforcing elements for natural fiber- reinforced plastics.