US Scientists Make Car Parts and Biodiesel From Coconuts
A team of researchers at Baylor University, Texas, have figured out a way to make car parts from coconuts, opening the door to the replacement of environmentally damaging plastic with an abundant, renewable resource.
The team have also created biodiesel from coconut oil, and are confident the new fuel could be an economically viable substitute for gasoline, as well as a vital source of income for more than ten million coconut farmers worldwide struggling on tiny annual incomes, typically as little as $500.
- » See also: US Energy and Ag Departments Providing $6.3M for Specialized Biofuels Research
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So far, the researchers have constructed prototype versions of floorboards, trunk-liners and car-door interiors from coconut husks, which are normally burned or thrown away as a waste product.
According to project leader, Prof. Walter Bradley, “We are trying to turn trash into cash to help poor coconut farmers. The fiber has very good strength, stiffness and ductility, and potentially can be used for all kinds of things.”
Image Credit - Swami Stream via flickr.com on a Creative Commons license
Hemp is a better product anyways for both fuel and materials, it smokes most other biofuel sources!
Take note, most of the new money for third-world economies never makes it to the grassroots worker/farmer.
Hi, Steve here again!
The title of the article is “US Scientists make car parts and biodiesel from Coconuts”. Yes, my comments ONLY addressed the biodiesel issue. It wasn’t that I didn’t read the whole article, it was just that my comments were focusing on the biodiesel part of it.
Regarding the fiber and auto parts issue, if we read it carefully, we have some University scientists saying that “prototype” parts were fabricated. In other words, basically bullshit.
The Philippines has been using coconut oil as biodiesel feedstock for ages, though on and off. When oil prices go up, like in the 70’s the idea becomes popular. When oil price goes down, it is forgotten.
By law, since 2007, all diesel in the country is 1% biodiesel from coconut oil. This year, this will be increased to 2%.
Coconut husks, also known as coir, have also been used as car seat stuffing for a very long time.
Everything is used in the coconut. That’s why it’s called the “tree of life”.
BTW, check the label on your infant formula. Chances ar, it has coconut oil in it.
I am a pretty caring person, but I really wish “our” scientists would concentrate on products that can be made in the U.S.A.. I understand that there are poor people the world over, but fix the house before you move on to your neighbor.
Grinch,
The USA isn’t economically depressed or backward…..WE’RE ECONOMICALLY INSANE!!!!
We keep electing the same strain of political maggots and expect “change” to be an actually achievable thing!