Coconut shells are characterized by high lignin content and low ash, making them a premium feedstock for thermal conversion. This project demonstrates the thermochemical conversion of shells into bio-oil and syngas. The solid byproduct, biochar, is further processed into activated carbon, maximizing the economic value of the coconut processing waste stream.
The process utilizes fast pyrolysis where coconut shells are heated rapidly in the absence of oxygen. This breaks down the biomass into vapor and char. The vapor is condensed into liquid bio-oil, while the non-condensable gases form syngas. The remaining char is physically activated using steam at high temperatures to create highly porous activated carbon.
Developed by researchers at NTU, this technology combines the cellulose fibers from coconut husks with the pectin and organic acids found in banana and orange peels. The resulting material creates a sophisticated molecular sieve that can pull pollutants out of water with high efficiency, turning everyday food waste into a powerful tool for global clean water access.
The fruit waste is freeze-dried and milled into a composite powder. It then undergoes a surface modification process using natural cross-linking agents to form an aerogel structure. This high-surface-area material allows for maximum contact between water pollutants and the active binding sites of the fruit fibers.
Industrial production of coconut jelly (Nata de Coco) generates significant liquid and solid waste. This project focuses on upcycling the fibrous secondary residue into a high-purity bacterial cellulose powder. This powder serves as a zero-calorie functional food additive that improves texture and nutritional value in processed foods.
The jelly residue is washed, neutralized, and enzymatically treated to isolate pure cellulose fibers. These fibers are then spray-dried into a fine, shelf-stable white powder that is easily integrated into commercial food formulations.
The coconut tree sheath is a naturally occurring non-woven textile with incredible multi-directional strength. This project explores the use of these sheaths as a reinforcement fiber in polymer composites. When layered and treated, this bio-material offers significant energy absorption capabilities, providing a low-cost, lightweight alternative to synthetic Kevlar for low-to-medium threat levels.
The tree sheaths are harvested and treated with an alkaline solution to improve surface adhesion. They are then impregnated with a bio-epoxy resin and stacked in cross-ply orientations. The assembly is compressed under high pressure and temperature (Compression Molding) to form a high-density, impact-resistant ballistic panel.
