MATERIAL: Cocoform.

07. October 2019 | Material | via Materialdistrict.com

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Cocoform is renewable, biodegradable and compostable. (Credit: Materialdistrict.com)

Cocoform is a combination of 60% coir (coconut) fibres and 40% natural latex. According to an article on Materialdistrict.com, this moldable fibrous composite offers easy formability of complex shapes with good dimensional stability.

Both coir and natural latex materials are renewable, biodegradable and compostable. The fibers are removed from the coconut shell and formed into a mat of layers, between which latex rubber is injected. The sheets are then heat pressed into specific forms using a heated mold. Standard flat sheets that can be heat formed are offered in 2000 x 2200 mm dimensions. The final thickness of a pressed sheet will depend upon its profile and original thickness, but parts as thin as 1 mm (0.04 in) can be produced with good strength. Alternative fibers can be used including horse hair, sisal, tampico, abaca, PET, and palm.

The sheets are offered in a black/brown coir as well as a white/crème color. The density and ‘memory speed’ can be customized. The molded parts are used in packaging and as interior parts for upholstery.