Design and fabrication of semi-automated coconut decorticator with hydraulic bottle jack molding machine for coir pot production/ Lance Gabriel L. Esmejarda, Averell Vincynt B. Lagua, Martin Oliver L. Li, Sherina Gale G. Ligon, and Rhoanne Caira O. Paz.--

Bachelor's thesis

College of Engineering.-- Bachelor of science in mechanical engineering: Technological University of the Philippines, 2024.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

The main target of the study is to design an efficient coconut decorticator machine with
hydraulic bottle jack molder that can help in reducing the amount of coconut waste present in the
environment and maximize its use by turning its constituents into coir pots. Its main components
are comprised of the following: a shredder, sifter, and heated molder. Another intention of the
research focuses on introducing a new environmentally friendly product for the horticultural sector
and giving small to medium scale coconut business proprietors a more innovative approach in
utilizing coconut wastes as a new source of income. As a power source, a 10 hp diesel motor is
used. The included automatic sifter separate the coco peat from the coir that was used as the main
ingredient for the biodegradable pots. The decorticated fibers sprayed with a water-cornstarch
solution then be subjected to a hydraulic bottle jack powered molder with heating coil to produce
the coir pots. With the experiments conducted, the efficient force needed to mold a coir pot is 25
lbs. or 111.2055 N. The theoretical temperature that aided the molding process is 285°F. Deduced
from the experiment, 1500 rpm was enough to shred coconut husks. The results of the study
determine the feasibility of the project whether it can perform efficiently and produce
agriculturally ready coco peat and coir pot for nursery stage planting.