Fibre dimensions of the various individual cells are said to be dependent on the type of
species, location and maturity of the plant. The flexibility and rupture of the fibre is affected
by the length to diameter ratio of the fibre and this also determines the product that can be
made from it. The shape and size of central hollow cavity, lumen, depends on (i) the
thickness of the cell wall and (ii) the source of the fibre. The hollow cavity serves as an
acoustic and thermal insulator because its presence decreases the bulk density of the fibre
[Flower et al. (2006) as cited by Afa Austin Waifielate Bolarinma Oluseun Abiola (2008)].
Afa Austin Waifielate Bolarinma Oluseun Abiola (2008) evaluated the mechanical properties
(load-extension curves, stress-strain curves, Young’s modulus, yield stress, stress and strain
at break) of inner and outer coconut fibres experimentally, and the results were verified by
finite element method using a commercial software ABAQUS. The author found that the
inner coconut fibre had a higher mechanical strength as compared to that of outer fibre, but
the outer coconut fibre had a higher elongation property which could makes it to absorb or
with stand higher stretching energy as compared to the inner coconut fibre.