Coconut shell flour

Another commonly employed low-cost organic filler is coconut shell flour. This can be incorporated into the moulding composition in large quantities and this results in cheaper mixes than when woodflour is used. The mouldings also have a good finish. However, coconut shell flour-filled mouldings have poor mechanical properties and hence the filler is generally used in conjunction with woodflour. 

The adhesive resins are of the novolak type and generally hardened by paraformaldehyde (which may be supplied mixed with coconut shell flour or diatomaceous earth) in conjunction with an accelerator such as magnesium oxide. 

Coconut shell is the source of two other products, coconut shell flour and activated charcoal. Powdered coconut shell is used in the plastics industry as a compound filler for synthetic resin glues. It is also used as a filler and extender of phenolic molding powders that give a smooth and lustrous finish to molded articles, thereby improving their resistance to moisture and heat. Activated charcoal is an adsorbent for toxic agents. It has been used in gas masks, but can also be used to remove odors and industrial stench. As well, this by-product is a contact catalyst used to facilitate some industrial chemical reactions (61). 

PF-resin A, medium alkali content (8-10%) PF-resin B, low alkali content (3-5%) PF-resin C, medium alkali content (6-8%) PF-powder resin, no addition of water, no dissolving of the powder before blending the strands Extender e.g., coconut shell flour. 

Examples of only a few additives are carbon black, carnauba wax, coconut shell, coke dust, macerated filler, shell flour, vermiculite, and wax. Many additives, especially those that are conductive may affect electrical properties. Most plastics, which are poor conductors of current, build up a charge of static electricity. Antistatic agents can be used to attract moisture, reducing the likelihood of a spark or discharge. 

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