Coconut is being extensively grown in the Agalega Island (around 800 hectares) and in other islands of the Indian Ocean. Currently, the production of coconut oil in Agalega is 100 drums per year. With the expected increase in the production of coconut products in the future, it has become important to not only aim to develop coconut oil as a fuel but to use the whole coconut as a source of green material for sustainable development.
This study looked into novel uses of coconut oil and possible uses of coconut husk and coconut shell in Mauritius. Therefore, the aims of the project were:
1. To investigate the use of coconut oil as a temporary corrosion prevention method.
2. To explore the various avenues for the integration of coconut husk and shell in the manufacture of composite boards.
3. To analyse the possible production and use of high quality charcoal briquettes from coconut husk, as an alternative to petroleum stove.
4. To analyse the possible production and use of activated carbon from coconut shell and husk.
To fulfil the aims of the study, some relevant properties of coconut oil and fibers were determined. To develop the composites, an injection moulding equipment was developed.