Study of Physical Properties of Coir Pith

Abstract

Coir pith is a byproduct of the coir industry, producing more than 7.5 million tones annually in India. It can be used as fuel in loose form or in briquettes. This study investigates different physical properties of coir pith with respect to its moisture content (10.1 to 60.2%w.b.) and particle size (0.098 to 0.925mm). Porosity and particle density varied from 0.623 to 0.862 and from 0.939 to 0.605 gm/cc respectively. Bulk density and static coefficient of friction against mild steel were in the range of 0.097 to 0.341gm/cc and 0.5043 to 0.6332 respectively. Models were developed for the above properties.

Keywords:

• Moisture content
• Particle size
• Bulk density
• Porosity
• Particle density
• Coefficient of friction