Comparison of engineering properties of organic and inorganic coconut: Implications on the design of coir fiber extraction machine

Abstract

AbstractCoconut husk is widely used as a source of natural fibers in the tropics. Dehusking and fiber extraction are some of the important unit operations in coir manufacturing. For the development of an efficient and economically viable fiber extraction machine, the engineering properties of conventional and organically grown coconuts were evaluated. Selected engineering properties of whole coconut were investigated. The average true density and bulk density were in the range of 414.63 ± 111.85 to 529.28 ± 123.02 and 161.66 ± 24.41 to 212.23 ± 18.96 kg/m3, respectively. Along with whole coconuts, engineering properties of husk (weight, moisture content, and husk thickness), shell (weight, thickness, bulk density, and moisture content), and kernel parameters (weight, thickness, and moisture content) were also evaluated. The application of organic treatment (T4) exhibited substantial impacts, leading to a higher coconut weight (1.354 kg) as compared to conventional practices (T5), and increased dimensions (158.599 mm diameter and 205.000 mm height) and improved bulk density (190.97 kg/m3) in comparison to other organic treatments. In deshelled coconuts, T4 showcased a higher shell weight (175.667 g) and shell thickness (4.767 mm). The kernel parameters of T4 displayed enhancements, featuring a kernel weight of 314.334 g and a thickness of 11.774 mm. Although the study could not find any correlation between the farming practices and engineering characteristics of coconut fruit, the data presented herein could be utilized for the design and improvisation of efficient fiber extraction machines.Practical ApplicationsDeveloping countries are exploring the possibilities of implementation of organic farming for the production of agro products. Implementation of organic farming not only affects yield but may also change the engineering properties and nutritional characteristics of products. Understanding the engineering properties of food products grown under organic conditions is important for the modification of the design in the existing machineries and/or development of new food processing equipments.