Decorative Wood Varnishes from Limed-Cashew Nut Shell Liquid Product

Communication in  Physical Sciences 1(1)35 -42 Author: M. Ejikeme, Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) was recovered front cashew nut shells obtained from Ihube—Okigwe, Abia State by solvent extraction. The CNSL was treated with calcitun hydroxide at cunbient and elevated tenperatures to produce Iüned-CNSL products. The products were characterized and used tofonnulate oleoresinous varnishes using blown linseed oil, soybean and soybean-linseed alkyds as the oil bases.Results showed that the drying peffonnances of the varnishes were moderate and they showed high gloss. The resistance of the varnishes prepared with different alkyd resins to water and acid media was very good, fair for base Ineditun, and generally conparable to that of conunercial products. The drying property of both the product with and without driers is discussed

Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminium in Acidic Medium by Different Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum

Aims: This study is aimed at using plant extracts to prevent corrosion of aluminium in acidic medium. The inhibition efficiency of different extracts of 1M HCl, ethanol and distilled water were determined. Study Design: Gravimetric method was used for the analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, between March and November, 2011. Methodology: Aluminium sheets of AA1060 and purity 98.98% was used. Each sheet was mechanically press-cut into coupons of dimension 3 cm x 3 cm. The solvents used for extraction of ocimum gratissimum leaf were 1M HCl, ethanol and distilled water, respectively. A hole with diameter 0.5 cm was drilled in each aluminium coupon and suspended in beakers containing test solution using glass hook. The weight loss was determined by retrieving coupons from test solutions at intervals. The coupons were weighed after retrieving. The different in weight was taken as weight loss of aluminium. Results: The percentage of inhibition efficiency (% I.E) was calculated at 303 K and 333 K, respectively. The result indicates that % I.E increases as concentration of inhibitor increases. The trend of inhibition efficiency was in order: Distilled H2O > C2H5OH > 1M HCl. The result indicates that increase in temperature decreases inhibition efficiency and degree of surface coverage. The result shows that apparent activation energy Ea increases as inhibitor concentration increases. The activation energy of distilled water extract range between 45.02 to 79.90 kJ/mol. While the activation energies of ethanol and 1 M HCl extracts of the inhibitor ranges between 35.12 to 72.93 kJ/mol and 26.60 to 65.25 kJ/mol, respectively. The experimental data obtained corroborated with Langmuir and Flory Huggins adsorption isotherms. Conclusion: This study indicates that different extracts of Ocimum gratissimum inhibits aluminium surface in presence of 1M HCl. The result of the analysis shows that inhibition efficiency and degree of surface coverage decreases as temperature increases. The activation energy of different extracts increases as concentration of inhibitor increases. The negative values of ΔGads shows that adsorption of inhibitor on surface of aluminium is spontaneous

Catalysis in Biodiesel Production by Transesterification Processes-An Insight

Biodiesel is the mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable lipid feedstock, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, for use in compression ignition (diesel) engines. The conversion of component triglycerides in oils to simple alkyl esters with short chain alcohols like methanol and ethanol amongst others is achieved mainly by transesterification. The transesterification reaction, a reversible process proceeds appreciably by the addition of catalysts, which can be acidic, basic or organic in nature, usually in molar excess of alcohol. The economy of the process depends on the type and quantity of catalyst used among other factors. The catalyst can be homogeneous or heterogeneous depending on whether it is in the same or different phase with the reactants; oils and alcohols. This paper attempts to give an insight into some of the various types of catalysts that have been used to effect the transesterification of vegetable, waste and animal oils in biodiesel production

Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self examination among nurses in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer that afflicts women worldwide. Early detection allows for interventions that will optimize the life of affected individuals. This study determines knowledge, attitude and practice of selfbreast examination among nurses in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. It was a questionnaire based cross- sectional study that spanned 2 months (September-October 2007). Respondents were randomly recruited upon verbal consent. Ninety-eight respondents were got. The age range of the nurses was 20- 55 years, 54(55.1%) of them were nulliparous, 28 (28.6%) multiparous. Ninetysix (98.0%) of them have heard of breast cancer, mainly (68.4%) heard of breast cancer from the hospital. 69(70.4%) correctly knew that breast cancer starts as a small lump, and 58 (59.2%) knew that early detection ensure management and better outcome. 91 (92.9%) have heard of Breast self examination, mainly (64.3%) through seminars. Only 28 (28.6%) practiced SBE monthly, 77 (87.0%) did not adopt the correct steps. There is an urgent need for continuing education and in service training to improve the knowledge and practice of BSE among nurses because of their perceived role in awareness creation among the local population. Keywords: Breast, examination, nurses, monthly,prevention. Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 6 (1) 2007 pp. 44-4