Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Maize Cob of Different Particle Sizes

Maize cobs sieved into three different mesh sizes of 2.36mm, 4.75mm, and 6.36mm were densified into briquettes using starch as binder. Combustion related properties namely percentage volatile matter, percentage ash content, percentage fixed carbon and calorific or heating value of the briquettes were determined. Results showed that different mesh sizes produced briquettes of different properties. Densities of the briquette produced ranged from 0.15-0.27g/cm3 with particle size 2.36mm having a percentage volatile matter of 57.82%, 4.75mm had 59.37% respectively while 6.30mm had the highest volatile matter of 62.90. The higher the particle size the higher the heating values which ranged from 20.93 to 24.97kj/kg. There is significant difference (P<0.05) in the heating values of the briquette produced from the three particle sizes. Assessment of the burning characteristics showed that briquette produced with particle size 6.30mm gave the highest energy value (24.97) and percentage volatile (62.91%) matter with moderate ash content.Keywords: Briquette, maize cob, combustion properties, mesh sizes, binding agen

Assessment of Variation in the Fibre Characteristics of the Wood of Vitex doniana Sweet and Its Suitability for Paper Production

The study investigated the fibre characteristics and chemical composition of Vitex doniana towards determining its potentials for pulp and paper. Fibre dimensions are of great importance because of the strong correlation between it and the strength properties of wood and paper. Axial and radial examinations of fibre characteristics of naturally grown wood of Vitex doniana were investigated to determine its suitability for paper production. Wood slivers were prepared from slices, introduced into wash bottles containing equal volume (1:1) of glacial acetic acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide and investigated on a Rheichert Visopam microscope. Variations existed in the axial and radial direction of the wood. The mean values of fibre characteristics are: fibre length (1.48mm), fibre diameter (21.9μm), fibre lumen width (12.7μm) and fibre wall thickness of Vitex doniana was 4.9μ. The mean lignin, cellulose and extractive contents were 28.1%, 41.2% and 3.5% respectively. Based on the derived values: Slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient and Runkel ratio, species of Vitex doniana were considered to be good paper making materials.Key Words: Fibre dimensions, axial variation, radial variation, Vitex doniana, lesser known wood specie

Effect of antifungal properties of honeybee propolis as preservative on triplochiton scleroxylon (k. Schum.) Wood

Conventional wood preservatives are harmful to man and the environment. In the search for environment friendly wood preservatives, Honeybee Propolis, or bee glue, known to possess antimicrobial and wood stabilizing properties, was evaluated as preservative on the wood of Triplochiton scleroxylon against wood rot fungi. Propolis was collected from forests and apiaries (bee hives) in Osun State, cleaned and extracted using absolute ethanol. Propolis Extracts (PE) were prepared using hot and cold extraction methods. 2,500g of Propolis was extracted in 5 liters of ethanol (w/v, 1:2), using sox let extractor, to obtain the Hot Ethanol Propolis Extract (HEPE); 2,500g of Propolis was soaked in 5 liters of ethanol (w/v, 1:2) for two weeks, to produce the Cold Ethanol Propolis Extract (CEPE). Simple phytochemical tests were carried out on three different samples of Propolis: HEPE, CEPE and RPS, to determine bioactive constituents. Propolis Extract (CEPE), prepared at different concentrations was subjected to antifungal activity using a white and brown rot fungi (Coriolopsis polyzona and Coniophora puteana), respectively on wood blocks of Triplochiton scleroxylon. Measured parameters in wood block test include Weight Loss and Maximum Compressive Strength. Percentage yield of Propolis Extract was 74.04% and 27.02%, for the HEPE and CEPE, respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed that CEPE was richer in phytochemicals than HEPE. The extract (HEPE) was able to control the two fungi at concentrations of 50% and 75%, respectively, in wood block test.This study confirmed that Propolis possesses antifungal properties that could be exploited in the field of wood preservation. Key words: Honeybee Propolis, Anti-fungal, Phytochemical analysis, Cold extract, Hot extrac

Potentials of agricultural waste and grasses in pulp and papermaking

Potentials of some agricultural waste and grasses were investigated. Potassium hydroxide from wood ash was used as alkali for pulping. Results from visopan Microscope showed that banana stalk has the highest fibre length of 2.60 mm and Bahaman grass has the least fibre length of 0.85 mm. Runkel Ratio (RK) for banana stalk, banana leaf, giant bluestem, gamba grass and bagasse was 0.8 (RK<1) while pineapple leaf and maize stalk have Runkel ratio of 0.9 (RK<1). Peel from maize cob and Bahaman grass have Runkel Ratio of 1 (RK=1). Calculated fibre derivatives indicated that the non wood raw materials were good in pulp and papermaking

In Vitro evaluation of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a fungicide against wood rotting basidiomycetes

The crude extract of the shell of cashew nut obtained from the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) was evaluated in vitro for fungitoxicity against Coriolopsis polyzona, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Ganoderma lucidum and Lenzites palisoti that cause serious decay on wood in Nigeria. Growth of the four pathogens in the medium of cassava dextrose agar (CDA) containing eight different concentrations of CNSL at levels of 400ppm, 800ppm, 1600ppm, 2000ppm, 2400 ppm, 2800ppm and 3200ppm was also studied. Most of the levels of CNSL concentrations exhibited potent antifungal activity against all the four pathogens. Of the four test fungi, Coriolopsis polyzona was the most resistant. The growths of the pathogens were highly inhibited at higher concentrations. The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) was found to possess fungitoxic properties against the pathogens at 1600ppm concentration level, though, lower concentrations of 800ppm and 1200ppm reduced the radial growth of the other test fungi except Coriolopsis polyzona. Use role of the crude extract of CNSL in controlling wood decay pathogens is suggested. Key Words: Cashew nut; In vitro; fungicide; wood rotting basidiomycetes; shell liquid Moor J. Agric. Res. Vol.4(1) 2003: 131-13

Flexural properties of wood cement board fabricated from cropping wastes of urban trees in a Nigerian University

The study was undertaken to investigate the possibilities of producing cement bonded particle boards from wood wastes generated from 3 urban wood species in University of Ibadan with a view to evaluating the bendingproperties of cement boards so produced. The materials used for the boards’ fabrication were wood wastes of Gmelina arborea, Delonix regia, Samena sena, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), water and calcium chloride.. The bending properties evaluated are the Modulus of rupture (MOR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 probability level. Results showed that the mean MOR values obtained from the fabricated boards ranged from 3.71N/mm2 to 16.63N/mm2.while the mean MOE recorded ranged from1450.8N/mm2to 6654.9N/mm2. The highest mean MOR was recorded from the boards produced with Gmelina arborea but Samena sena produced the strongest boards. Stronger, and stiffer boards were obtained at increasing levels cement/wood mixing ratio. The effect of woodspecies, mixing ratio levels and interaction were significantly different at 5% significance level

Assessment and classification of hazardous street trees in University of Ibadan Nigeria.

The study was carried out to assessed and classified hazardous trees within the University of Ibadan (UI) campus, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study population was 25 municipal tree species comprising of 420 individual trees located along the major roads of the study area, which were considered hazardous to the community. With the aids of data form, health assessments which include a review of defects, surrounding site conditions, and potential targets were carried out. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. The result revealed that 31.42% of the total tree species sampled within the study area are samena senna. Hazardous trees were generally lower along Agriculture, Masaba and Veterinary roads and they are 0.47%, 0.95% and 1.66% respectively. Oduduwa road had highest number of poor-quality trees with multiple defects (22.38%). A total of 132 species of samena senna had extremely high probability of failure while the probability of 69 species of Delonix regia to strike a target is extremely high, this species have very shallow roots and the species is easily affected by root/stem rots resulting in heavy damages even with little storm. Ten species of Samena senna affect the road, 33 species of Gliricidia sepium affect the walkway, 60 species of Delonix regia affect the building, 71 species of Samena senna cause street light obstruction and 6 species of Samena senna are affecting the underground cable..In conclusion the study revealed that all the sampled municipal trees of university of Ibadan were defective having some negative impacts for infrastructure damages (e.g. damage to building and sidewalks). Since there will always be a common interaction among people, property and trees in the University community, detection and removal of trees that are likely to be hazardous is essential.Key words: Street trees, hazardous trees, Health assessment, infrastructural damage, Potential targe

Wood energy production efficiency in Akinyele local government area of Oyo State

A study was carried out to determine the efficiency of wood energy production in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State. Ten fuelwood and five charcoal wood species were selected as samples using availability as criterion. Energy parameters including moisture, ash and energy contents, and density of the samples were determined. The earth kiln system of charcoal production was used to determine the efficiency of the charcoal production method. Data analysis was carried out using a combination of t-tests and descriptive statistical methods. Results showed that the moisture contents ranged between 10.6 and 32.45% for the fuelwood species and 5.2 and 7.7% for charcoal. The ash contents ranged between 1.0 and 6.0% for fuelwood species and 1.0 and 5.0% for charcoal. Energy contents for fuel wood range between 15.79 and 28.58 MJ/kg and between 2.51 and 6.82 MJ/kg for charcoal respectively. Specific gravity for fuelwood species ranged between 0.53 for Markhamia and 0.89 for Funtumia and between 0.46 for Parkia and 0.63 for Butyreospermum for charcoals species. Outputs from the earth kiln method were found to be about 21.01% which implies that at least one kilogramme of charcoal is produced from five kilogramme of wood.Keywords: Fuelwood, Charcoal, Energy ParametersJournal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology Volume9,: 42-4

Assessment of Growth Dynamics of Tree Species in Snr2, Akure Forest Reserve, Nigeria

The study assessed the growth dynamics of tree population in SNR2, Akure Forest Reserve, Ondo state, Nigeria between 1974 and 2004. Each of the seven blocks [A-G] were enumerated in 2004 for their  stem  frequencies  and  girth  at  breast  height,  these  were  compared  with  corresponding measurements in  1974. They were used to calculate the Survival Percentages, Mean Annual Increment, and Mortality Rates. The results showed that there were 2580 stems in 2004 as against 3678 stems in 1974. The enumerated species frequency encountered in 2004 showed a reduction in all the blocks against 1974. The Survival Percentage ranged from 92, 90, 82, 53, 52, 50, and 50 in blocks C, B, D, A, E, G and F respectively in descending order. The Mortality Rate per year over the period are 9, 8, 7, 7, 3, 2 and 2 in blocks G, F, E, A, D, B and C respectively. The results further from showed that there was an average of 157 stems lost in each block for the period [1974-2004]. The study recommended the current protection status should be maintained so as to enhance the management of the forest on sustainable basis.Keywords: Tree population, girth at breast height, Mean Annual Increment, Survival Percentage and Mortality Rate