Introduction to Coir Fibre

        Coir fibre is obtained from the Outer layer of the fruit of Coconut tree (Cocos Nucifera L). This outer layer is called the coconut husk. The husk (exocarp) of the coconut consists of a smooth waterproof outer skin (epicarp) and fibrous zone (mesocarp). The mesocarp comprises of strands of fibro vascular bundles of coir embedded in a non fibrous paranchymatous “corky” connective tissue usually referred to as pith; which ultimately becomes coir dust.

        Chemically coir fibre is composed of a highly lignified form of cellulose (cellulose lignin complex), which accounts for its colour, harshness and relative brittleness in comparison with pure cellulose fibre. The bulk of the ground tissue of the husk, on the other hand, is made up of pectin and hemicelluloses (Nathaniel 1960). i.e. pectin and hemi cellulose act as a spongy binding material that that bind the large fibre cells together to make up the husk..Coconut coir is in great demand unaccounted of natural resilience, durability, resistance to dampness and other properties. Grading of coir is based on its fibre length, colour, resilience and general cleanliness in relation to the quantity of pith present. present.

       All coir fibre falls into two distinctly different categories, white coir and brown coir the differences are due to the conditions of husk used, the method of extraction, the physical properties as well as in the uses. Coir obtained from immature green coconut is generally known as white fibre and is finer than the brown fibre obtained from seasoned coconuts, which has lost their green colour (>12 months). Both types of fibre are widely used and each has its own unique distinct type of application.
 

Introduction to Coir Fibre   contd.,                   

Next Page >>