Coir, also called coconut fibre, is a natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of coconut, and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes, and mattresses. Coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. Other uses of brown coir are in upholstery padding, sacking and horticulture. White coir, harvested from unripe coconuts, is used for making finer brushes, string, rope and fishing nets. It has the advantage of not sinking, so can be used in long lengths in deep water without the added weight dragging down boats and buoys.
A close-up view of coir fibre
Segregation of coir fibre
Sennit made from plaited coconut fibre on a traditional house in Fiji
Various forms in which coir fibre can appear
Natural fibers or natural fibres are fibers that are produced by geological processes, or from the bodies of plants or animals. They can be used as a component of composite materials, where the orientation of fibers impacts the properties. Natural fibers can also be matted into sheets to make paper or felt.
Cotton growing on the plant
Abacá banana leaf fibres drying
Coir fibre
19th century knowledge weaving flax, hemp, jute, Manila hemp, sisal and vegetable fibers