Coir Fibre

Coir is a seed fibre extracted from the mesocarp (husk) of coconut (Cocos nucifera) fruits, produced at 650,000–700,000 tonnes/year primarily in India (60%) and Sri Lanka (36%). Two types are produced: brown coir (from mature coconut husks, retting 3–6 months, fibre length 10–30 cm, diameter 100–450 µm) and white coir (from immature green husks, retting 3–8 weeks in salt water, finer, softer, 20–30 cm length). Coir chemical composition: cellulose 36–43%, lignin 41–45%, hemi-cellulose 0.15–0.25%, and pectin 3–4%. High lignin content (highest among natural fibres) provides exceptional resistance to seawater, soil microorganisms, and abrasion. Tensile strength of 106–175 MPa, elongation at break 15–51.4%, and Young's modulus 4–6 GPa. Natural degradation resistance of 3–20 years in soil depending on coir product type and soil conditions.