Fibers from outer husks used to replace synthetic polyester fibers. Interesting story if you like to read about this kind of stuff. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28529073/from/ET/wid/18298287/?GT1=45002
Read this earlier today. There was a related article on liquid wood that I thought was interesting too. humbling I thought coconut shells and fibers are used for traditional fire building in some cultures... then for smoldering probably?... Polynesian? Also, they also used also a lot in this sentence, also.
In fire building I think they use the husks because they can hold an ember without burning up. I believe that is how they brought fires with them and sustained them.