31 surprising uses for coconuts
Posted by staff / July 5, 2016
We’ve all heard the praises of coconut oil sung again and again. Now it’s time to give props to the rest of this surprisingly useful plant.
Instructables gathered thirty-one ingenious uses and the unique properties of coconut that make them possible. They even come with their own glue. How cool is that?
Coconut Husks: Medium Density Fiber Boards
The husk of a fresh coconut is made of very strong fibers. The material between the fibers has a high lignin content. This lignin can act as a natural glue. All you have to do is shred the coconut husk and press it into a mold. Then heat it up to a few hundred degrees and it will turn into a solid board that is similar to medium density fiber board. You don’t need to add any additional glue or filler. It can be made from 100% coconut husk. This can be used for construction just like regular fiber boards. Coconut boards are even being considered for use in car floor boards…
Coconut Husk: Biodegradable Chairs
When the fibers of a coconut husk are combined with a small amount of latex, it can be molded into free form furniture such as this chair. This is cushioned and flexible but still retains its shape.
You can read more about this project here: http://www.designboom.com/design/jorrit-taekema-la…
Coconut Shell: Activated Carbon
Coconut shells are some of the best materials for making activated carbon for filters. Coconut shell are very dense and are covered in micropores that are ideal for trapping small contaminant particles. It is also a cheap renewable material that grows all year round.
Full story at Instructables.
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