Thai Researchers Develop Green Coconut Fibers to Produce Functional Textile Products for the Elderly

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sakorn Chonsakorn, Ph.D., Dr. Rattanaphol Mongkholrattanasit, Ph.D., Dr. Natadon Rungreankitkai, Ph.D., and Prof. Supanicha Srivorradatpaisan, researchers from the RMUTT’s Department of Textiles and Garments, Faculty of Home Economics Technology, have collaborated with The Thailand Textile Institute (THTI) to develop green coconut fibers to produce textile products with special antibacterial features that suit the elderly.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sakorn Chonsakorn, Ph.D. said that from studying where to source green coconut fibers, he received help from K Fresh Co., Ltd., in Samutsakorn province, a company that exports green coconuts to more than 30 countries, such as the United States of America (USA), China, Australia, The UK, France, Russia, Netherlands, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, among other countries. USA accounts for 60% of the company’s total exports, followed by China (20%). From a macroeconomic standpoint, the total market value of green coconut in Thailand is estimated to be THB 2,000 – 3,000 Million/year, consequently resulting in 10 tons of green coconut fiber waste/day.

Thus, the research team have used green coconut fiber waste from shelled coconuts to produce textile products for the elderly using steam pressure, a chemical-free process to rapidly extract fibers. The ratio of yarn spun from green coconut fibers to rayon is 20:80., resulting in No. 20 Ne fibers. The No. 20 Ne fibers then go through ring spinning to produce fabrics made of green coconut fibers, which have special antibacterial features and properties beyond other natural fibers. Furthermore, the water in the green coconut fibers are suitable for producing textile products for the elderly as well.

Currently, the research team have applied findings from their research to produce shoes for the elderly as the foot changes its structure as one ages. Some examples include the changing structure of the toe bone, shrinking of foot size, and wearing shoes that do not fit one’s feet, which may affect one’s health. To address these issues, the shoes have non-slip and stink-free properties, and are adjusted according to the weight of the wearer, in turn reducing impact placed on the foot. Furthermore, the research team have designed women’s shoes in the shape of water droplets, with a silicone base to help support the feet. The green coconut fiber also provides moisture to the skin. The shoes made from green coconut fibers will be commercialized in the future under the brand Secret Nature and those that are interested may ask for more information by contacting Asst. Prof. Dr. Sakorn Chonsakorn, Ph.D. at 086-618-4639 and 02-549-3164.