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Tapping Nature’s Bounty

Bonanza from the natural world and in particular, the coconut tree, has captured the imagination of Professor Dr Suhaimi Muhammed who has successfully developed  an environmentally friendly biocomposite material by utilizing coconut husks.

The coconut tree, called the tree of life, contributes a substantial slice to the nation’s economy. Apart from offering jobs to the coastal population nationwide, its rich biodiversity and potential for food and new natural products are hard to match.

Recognizing the unmet industrial and commercial need for environmentally friendly biocomposite products, Professor Dr Suhaimi together with Amran Shafie and Noorshashillawati Azura Mohammad from the Faculty of Applied Sciences began thinking about using coconut husks in developing biocomposite tiles. Biocomposites, also known as natural fibre composites, are composed of biodegradeable plant-based or animal-based natural fibres such as flax, jute, silk or wool.