Coir Fiber Process and Opportunities

Abstract

Coir is a versatile lignocellulosic fiber obtained from coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) and is available in large quantities, in the order of 5 million tons a year globally. The best way to bring the existing coir industry to a higher level is the development of new value-added coir products. Coirbased composites, depending on their specific characteristics, could find a position within the wide scale of domestic and commercial applications and products. Chemical production of whiter coir fiber by the removal of lignin with sodium hydroxide and subsequent bleaching with acid produces a weak thin fiber having reduced strength and the treatment adversely affects the spinning properties. Biological treatment to produce partially delignified, whiter fiber will be a better and milder alternative to this problem. Biosoftened coir fibers are spinnable and can be blended with natural fibers for producing furnishing fabrics, textiles, and so on.

Key Words:

• Coir
• retting
• biosoftening
• lignin
• bleaching