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Turning the Cocopith Waste into Myceliated Biocomposite to Make an Insulator

Summary

This research demonstrates how coconut processing waste can be transformed into useful insulation materials using mushroom growth. The study has important implications for both waste management and sustainable building materials. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building insulation materials • Helps reduce environmental pollution from coconut processing waste • Could lower energy costs through improved building insulation • Creates economic value from waste materials • Demonstrates sustainable manufacturing processes that could be applied to other waste materials

Background

Indonesia produces approximately 14 billion coconuts annually as the world’s largest coconut producer. While coconut processing focuses mainly on fresh coconut and copra production, the byproducts like coconut fiber are underutilized. Cocopith, which makes up 70% of coconut fiber waste, has become a significant environmental problem as it accumulates near processing facilities. Current disposal methods like burning create pollution issues.

Objective

This research aimed to examine the material characteristics of cocopith and evaluate whether mycelium-based biocomposite made from cocopith waste could serve as an effective thermal insulator. The study sought to develop an environmentally friendly solution for cocopith waste while creating a valuable product.

Results

Testing revealed high sulfur (24,000 mg/kg) and chlorine (10,371 mg/kg) content in cocopith. Lignin levels (22.7%) were higher than cellulose (10.27%). The optimal biocomposite composition was achieved with 50% cocopith and 27% wood powder, showing 87.71% mycelium growth. The final biocomposite demonstrated thermal conductivity of 0.0887241 ± 0.002964 W/mK at temperatures of 13°C-40°C, falling within the recommended insulator range of 0.01-1.00 W/mK.

Conclusion

The cocopith-based myceliated biocomposite successfully functions as a thermal insulator due to its chemical composition and physical properties. The material’s thermal conductivity values are comparable to conventional insulators, with advantages including high water resistance and longer lifespan. This provides an environmentally sustainable solution for cocopith waste while creating a valuable industrial product.
  • Published in:International Journal of Biomaterials,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1155/2021/6630657
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