Seashell usually refers to the exoskeleton of an invertebrate, and is typically composed of calcium carbonate or chitin.
Vegetable adhesives come from a variety of sources: vegetable starch or sections and leguminous protein (also called vegetable casein). The starch based glue can be produced from many common plants including wheat, cassava, potato, rice and corn.
Beeswax (cera alba) is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It has been used for centuries, notably as a candle and sealing wax. The featured image shows a contemporary use for a packaging wrap by coating cotton with beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin.
Beeswax (cera alba) is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. Chemically, beeswax consists mainly of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols.
No new uses as yet identified by author’s. Your contributions welcome.
Found under the skin of the plant, cactus wood is hidden behind cacti’s layers of spines which provide protection from animals and the sun. The wood is used for furniture.
Found under the skin of the plant, cactus wood is hidden behind cacti’s layers of spines which provide protection from animals and the sun. These spines are attached to the thick green or grey skin of the plant so that transpiration, or evaporation can be prevented, thus moisture retained.
Many cactus species exhibit polymorphic wood growth, meaning different types of wood are grown at different stages of their development. Meanwhile, all large species of cacti possess wood with high fibre content, which makes the the material extremely strong.
Direct correlation between the types of fibre and size of water conduction and storage vessels found is also found in cactus wood, meaning the larger the cacti, the longer and wider the water vessels and fibres.
Furniture makers in regions like the American Southwest use cactus wood as a construction material, particularly the wood from the saguaro and cholla species. The Seri American Indians used cactus wood for making fires and also fashioned wooden drills used to create sparks for starting fires from cactus wood. Generally, cactus wood is collected dead from the desert floor to minimize the danger and tremendous work effort required of culling wood from a living cactus. (Retrieved from https://www.hunker.com/12542590/what-is-cactus-wood)
Herb Wood, a desert dweller who is also a cactus craftsman, has been making cactus wood furniture since 1931. He even invented his own cactus-wood-dust-based glue to ensure better matching of wood pieces.
None identified by author’s yet. Your contributions welcome.
The Coconut shell is useful both in its raw and powder form. Coconut shell carbon can be used as an air and water purifier.
Coconut shell is found between coconut flesh and coconut husk, which is the strongest part of the fruit.
Banana plant stems contain a lignocellulosic fibre which has been used for matts, fabrics, wadding and baskets, and is gaining attention as a potential reinforcement for engineering composites.
Banana plant stems contain a lignocellulosic fiber which has been used for matts, fabrics, wadding and baskets, and is gaining attention as a potential reinforcement for engineering composites.
The pineapple leaf contains fibres that can be woven into a fabric. The result is a glossy, ivory colored, silk like though stiffer fabric. Developed in the Philippines it is now of interest as an alternative to silk and even leather.
The pineapple leaf contains fibres that can be extracted and woven into a fabric. The result is a glossy, ivory colored, silk like though stiffer fabric. Developed in the Philippines where it is known as Piña, it is now of interest as an alternative to silk and more recently in non-woven composites with properties similar to leather.
Sisal leaf produces a stiff fibre that is recognised for its strength, durability, ability to stretch, affinity for certain dyestuffs, and resistance to deterioration in saltwater. Dominant use is agricultural rope however it has countless applications including carpets, textiles, insulation (as a composite) and paper.
Sisal is from the agave plant originating in Mexico but now grown worldwide in warm weather countries. It’s leaf produces a stiff fibre that is recognised for its strength, durability, ability to stretch, affinity for certain dyestuffs, and resistance to deterioration in saltwater. Dominant use is agricultural rope however it has countless applications including carpets, textiles, insulation (as a composite) and paper.
Pueraria phaseoloides?
Used in Northern Laos for string bags
Hemp bast fibres (from the bark) are from a plant that grows readily in most climates. It's countless uses include fabric for textiles, rope, sailing canvas, paper and jewellery. It has also been tested as an insulating building material by combining with lime into a plaster
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