Process for production of high density/high performance binderless boards from whole coconut husk Part 2: Coconut husk morphology, composition and properties

Published Date
September 2006, Vol.24(2):96–104, doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2005.03.003

Author 

Jan E.G. van Dam ^a,,

Martien J.A. van den Oever ^a

Edwin R.P. Keijsers ^a

Jacintha C. van der Putten ^a

Cristina Anayron ^b

Fidel Josol ^c

Aurora Peralta ^c

• aAgrotechnology and Food Innovations, Wageningen UR, PO Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
• bPhilippine Coconut Authority (PCA) R&D Building, 5th Floor, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila, Philippines
• cFiber Processing and Utilisation Laboratory, Fiber Industrial Development Authority (FIDA), Bai Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines

Received 12 July 2004. Accepted 11 March 2005. Available online 10 May 2005.

Abstract

For production of compression moulded boards from whole coconut husk the auto-adhesive properties are derived from the intrinsic high lignin content. Since the properties of manufactured boards for a large part will depend on the input husk material these properties are studied here. Husks of different varieties and maturity have been investigated for their contents of fibre and pith. Relevant physical properties and chemical composition were determined. For accurate determination of tensile strength and stiffness of coir fibre, its density (ρ_coir = 1.2–1.3 g/cm³) and cross-sectional area were determined. Both thickness and longitudinal swelling of the fibre were measured to assess the effects of water absorption.

The constituent fibre and pith fractions of coconut husk have been chemically analysed for polysaccharide (cellulose, pectin and hemicellulose) and lignin contents. Detailed carbohydrate analysis of the fibre indicated a glucose (cellulose) content of approximately 33% in the cell wall, together with 12% xylose as the major component of the hemicellulose fraction. Coir pith only contains 16% glucose. The effects of maturing on the chemical composition of the husk is analysed and a significant increase in glucose (cellulose) is observed, while for other sugars no dramatic change in relative amounts can be measured.

It was concluded that only slight differences can be observed between mature coconut husks of different origin, and all are suitable as input feedstock for boards production. More effects can be expected from the age of the nuts.

Keywords

Coconut husk

Coir fibre

Pith

Morphology

Chemical composition

Mechanical properties

Physical properties

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