Hearing the word coconut brings a variety images, scents and tastes to one’s mind. Some may recall their mother’s freshly baked coconut cookies or an oversized slice of coconut cream pie, while others remember the scent of their favorite body lotion or the taste of coconut water; but rarely do people associate this tropical fruit with an automobile.

In efforts to “turn trash into cash,” a team at Baylor University has assembled trunk liners, car-door interior covers and floorboards using coconut husks. Researchers have successfully replaced synthetic polyester fibers with the fibers from a coconut’s outer husk.

A coconut husk mainly consists of fiber and coconut dust, known as pith. The pith is composed of parenchymal cells and, initially, has a spongy texture. Once the pith dries, it will contract into dirt-like particles that can absorb up to ten times its weight in water. These fibers are combined with polypropylene fibers and then molded into shapes to be used in manufacturing items such as car parts.

Coconuts are used mainly for production of coconut milk and oil, while the husks are discarded into mounds, creating major trash and health problems. When the husks form into large trash heaps, they can collect water that attracts breeding malaria-causing mosquitoes. Walter Bradley, an engineering professor leading this research, has a long-term goal of increasing the demand for coconuts and raising their market price.

After tests were completed on the coconut composites, the material proved to be as good or better than some synthetic and polyester fibers used in automotive parts. Since coconuts do not burn easily or give off toxic fumes, the coconut composite can certainly pass automotive safety tests.

Discussion Question: What other materials could be manufactured from the fibers of coconut husks?

Link to Article: http://www.livescience.com/environment/090106-coconut-cars.html

Link to Abstract: http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/67560.pdf