Coir Fibre - Methods of Extraction

.: Traditional method 1

- Fibre obtained is a mixture of long, medium and short.

- This method is primarily in Kerala – South India and in

 southern  parts of Sri Lanka.

:: Pros
   - Fibre is soft and bright in colour – white
:: Cons
   - Extraction process is time consuming and working          

     conditions   are wet and unhygienic.
   - Productivity – very low

.: Traditional method 2

 - Coconut husks are retted in pits for 2-3 months in flowing or      

    stagnant water.
 - Retted husks are then manually held to a set of rotating drums

  with needles.

 - Short fibre with small percentage of long fibres and pith is   

   separated in the 1st drum

- Long fibre is either combed with the 2nd drum or sent through

  the 2nd drum for cleaning.

- Combed fibre from the 2nd drum is called Bristle Fibre or 1 tie 

  and if the long fibre is sent trough the 2nd drum is called omat

  fibre.

- This method is unique to Sri Lanka.

  :: Pros
      - Fibre is brown in colour
      - Short fibre, Long fibre and pith can be separated – so that it

        could be used in wide range of applications
  :: Cons
      - Lack of skilled operators for the rotating drum
      - Difficulty of working conditions
      - Danger – of working
      - High risk of injury to hands and head of operators.

Methods of Extraction  contd.,  

<< Previous page | Next Page >>