Coir fabric is known for its resilience and durable quality. It is the
perfect fabric for controlling soil erosion. In horticulture, coir
fabric is used as a substitute for peat because it is bacteria free and
free from fungal spores. It is an environmental friendly fabric and
fully bio-degradable.Process of making Coir Fabric
The word 'coir' is believed to be derived from the Malayalam word Kayar that means a cord (string). Coir fabric is obtained from the fibrous husk, which surrounds the coconut. Green coconuts are harvested after six to twelve months on the plant, which contain white fibers. Mature coconut contains brown fiber. The fibrous layer is separated from the fruit either manually or by machines.
In case of brown fiber, the separated husks are soaked in a slow moving body of water allowing it to swell and to become soft. The coir bristle fiber is put apart from the shorter one and is send for washing in clean water. Sometimes, it is also cleaned by steel combs to make the fibers straight and remove any leftover of shorter pieces. If required, it is bleached and dyed to obtain the required shades.
For white fiber, the husks are put into a river or water-filled pit for approximately ten months. In these ten months, the fibers are loosen. The longer fibers are separated from the shorter one by beating with hand. It is subsequently dried and then cleaned. The cleaned fiber is send for spinning into yarn.
Characteristics of Coir Fabric
- It is buoyant.
- It is stress resistant.
- It is environmental friendly.
- It is biodegradable.
- It is free of bacteria.
Brown coir fabric is used in floormats, doormats, mattresses, sack, twine, etc. White coir fabric is used as ropes. Since ages, coir fabric has been used to produce rope for ships and for making bags.
Coir geotextiles is used for ground improvement of soft clays, construction of low height bunds and protection for canal banks and beaches, base separators for road construction and railway ballast protection.
