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 potential for food and new natural products is 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.