Synthesis,Characterization and Evaluation of Nano-Modified Polymeric Materials from Yellow Oleanda (Thevetia peruviana) Seed Oil

The use of sustainable and biodegradable resources in the preparation of diverse industrial materials (such as organic coatings) has been revitalized due to emerging environmental challenges faced by today’s world. Plant oils are considered the most available and renewable resource material, capable of replacing the petroleum feed-stock (petrochemicals), used in the preparation of most polymeric materials. The present report presents the synthesis, characterizations and evaluations of nano-modified polymeric materials from Thevetia peruviana seed oil (TPSO). The triglyceride based monomers were prepared through aminolysis and partial glyceride (PG) formation from TPSO. The fatty-amide of the oil (N,N-bis (2-hydroxy ethyl) Thevetia peruviana seed oil fatty-amide {HETA}) as well as desaturated fatty-amide methylesters of the oil (desaturated N,N-bis (2-hydroxy ethyl) Thevetia peruviana seed oil fattyamide {DHETA}) were treated with isophthalic acid and polyesteramides of their respective esterification were obtained. Partial glycerides polyol formation was carried out by reacting TPSO with glycerol in the presence of CaO as catalyst. These polyols were further reacted with 4,4'-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (H12 MDI) to synthesize pristine polyurethanes. Nano particles (zinc oxide {ZnO} and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxylsilane-zinc oxide {APTMS-ZnO}) were also dispersed within the polymer matrix. The formation of monomers, pre-polymers as well as the eventual polymer composites were structurally elucidated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and Carbon 13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The fatty acid profile of TPSO fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was examined by GC-FID. Thermal stability and curing of the hybrid composites were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The surface morphology and crystal/amorphous nature of the hybrid films was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) respectively. Anticorrosive (in acid, alkali, water, xylene and salt spray fog test), solubility test and antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Klebsiella pneumonia) properties of the films were investigated. Results revealed that the fatty acid composition of the oil comprised mainly oleic (48.2 %), palmitic (22.3 %), linoleic (19.8 %) acids. FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR confirmed the formation of the expected polymer matrices and their corresponding nanomodified composites, indicating a successful incorporation of the nano-material (APTMS-ZnO) in the pristine polymer coatings. The impregnation of the nano-material in the polymer led to curing of the polymer at room temperature. Results further revealed that as the percentage composition of the synthesized and incorporated nano-particle in the polymer matrix increased, properties such as thermal stability, anticorrosive and antimicrobial properties of the polymeric coatings also increased. However, at higher percentages, agglomeration of the nano-particle within the polymeric matrix ensued (for example in the case of PUTFA (Polyurethane Thevetia fatty amide)-APTMS-ZnO {15 wt %}). This made the micrograph of the film to be rough and also affect the thermal stability of the coatings. The successful incorporation of modified nanoparticle within the pristine polymer had positive influence of the thermal stability, chemical resistance and antimicrobial inhibition on organisms tested. The coatings retain their photographic transparency irrespective of the varying inorganic–organic nano-particle within the polymer matrix

THERMAL STABILITY STUDIES ON SOME METAL SOAPS OF HURA CREPITANS SEED OIL

Thermal stability studies on some metal soaps of Hura crepitans seed oil prepared by metathesis in aqueous alcohol solution were carried out. The kinetics of the decomposition was studied thermogravimetrically in the temperature range 160 – 200o C. The values of the rate constant are of the order 10-2min-1 and temperature-dependent. The enthalpy of activation (ΔH‡) of the initial stage of decomposition determined is in the range 9.8 – 37.8 kJmol-1. The thermal stability of the metal soaps was studied in the temperature range 50 – 600o C under nitrogen using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The thermal stability of the soaps was assessed in terms of temperatures at which various extents of decomposition were attained and weight loss at the initial stage of decomposition. Except zinc soap, the weight loss for the metal soaps was less than 10% at temperature up to 250o C. The results suggest that the metal soaps Hura crepitans seed oils could have some industrial applications

Histopathological Studies of Utilization of Brewery Spent Grains Effect in Humans Food Chain

The brewing industries continuously generate lot of solid waste of which spent grains is a major by product. The present utilization method of Brewery Spent Grains (BSG) in food chain makes it imminently necessary to explore the adverse effect of the waste on humans. This paper focuses on investigating the effects of BSG formulated diet on haematological, biochemical, histological and growth performance using Donryu rats as model for the experiments. The rats were allocated into six dietary treatment groups and fed on a short-term study with diet containing graded levels of spent grains from 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 % weight/weight. The results revealed that the formulated diet had a positive effect on the growth performance of the rats up to levels of 6 % inclusions, while the haematological and biochemical evaluation revealed that the threshold limit should not exceed 9 % of the grain. However, the histophatological study on the liver indicated a limit of 3 % exploitation of BSG in feed without serious adverse effect, hence blend range of 1-3 % will be appropriate for utilization in human food without adverse effect on liver organ

STUDIES ON THE ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTICORROSIVE PROPERTIES OF SYNTHESIZED HYBRID POLYURETHANE COMPOSITES FROM CASTOR SEED OIL

Castor seed oil (Ricinus communis) is a prominent feed stock towards the generation of renewable materials for industrial production. The reach presence of ricinoleic fatty acid at 87.5% provides pendant hydroxyl functional groups, which is an essential site for chemical formulations. This paper presents the synthesis, characterization, and evaluations on antibacterial and anticorrosive activities of synthesized hybrid composites from Ricinus communis seed oil. N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy ethyl)-12-hydroxy Ricinus communis oil fatty amide (HERCA) was synthesized via aminolysis polyol formation route. Upon reacting HERCA with succinic acid at a high temperature of about 145 ºC, a polyesteramide (RCPEA) was formed. This ester product undergoes urethanation and subsequently interfaced with modified hybrid material. The synthesized composites were characterized using spectroscopic methods such as FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. Selected physicochemical parameters were also carried out on the products. Coating performance on cured resins was examined

Development of Functional Polyurethane–ZnO Hybrid Nanocomposite Coatings from Thevetia peruviana Seed Oil

The present article reports eco-friendly multifunctional polyurethane–ZnO hybrid nanocomposite coatings obtained from Thevetia peruviana seed oil (TPSO). Initially, the polyols were prepared by treating TPSO with glycerol and the formation was supported by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and 1H-NMR studies. In the next stage, siloxane functionalized ZnO nanoparticles were added to the polyol mixture in different weight percentages (0, 1 and 2 %) and then treated with excess 4,4′-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (H12MDI) in order to synthesize isocyanate terminated polyurethane nanocomposites. The polyurethane hybrids were then casted as thin films and cured under atmospheric moisture. After complete curing they were characterized by using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis techniques. The hybrid nanocomposites showed superior thermo-mechanical and anti-corrosive properties compared to pristine polyurethane. Also, due to the presence of nano ZnO in the polyurethane matrix,the composite coatings are showing excellent resistance towards various bacterial and fungal stains

Antibacterial and Morphological Studies of Electrospun Silver-Impregnated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibre

Silver-impregnated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibre was prepared through electrospinning process. Infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermo gravimetric analyses (TGA/DTA) were used to characterize PAN and PAN/Ag composites. The XRD results reflects decrease in the crystallinity of PAN as it is been modified with Ag. Antibacterial activity of PAN/Ag was also investigated

Adsorption Behaviour of Pyrazolo [3, 4-b] Pyridine on Corrosion of Stainless Steel in HCl Solutions

The properties of stainless steel makes the alloy suitable for many application; but this tends to change at very aggressive conditions thereby making its properties to fail. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of 2-(4-Methyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2, 3-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo [3, 4-b] pyridin-4-yl) acetic acid butylester (PP) on stainless steel in HCl solution was studied by weight loss method. The adsorption mechanism was investigated using adsorption isotherms. The experimental data fit Flory-Huggins and Thermodynamic/El-Awady models. The values for free energy of adsorption, ΔGoads, of PP at different surface coverage, θ, were also calculated by applying the mathematical model of Bockris-Swinkels adsorption isotherm. The variation of free energy of adsorption ΔGoads.with surface coverage, θ, was rationalised in term of interaction between adsorbed PP molecules. A possible adsorption model of PP molecules on to the steel surface was suggested

Dietary Fortification of Sorghum-Ogi using Crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) as Supplements in Infancy

Malnutrition in neonates is a concern in developing countries where there is deficiency in nourishing foods for young ones. The utilization of fresh crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) in enhancing the nutrient value of commonly used sorghum grain weaning food for infancy was investigated. The study was carried out using a 10 – 50 wt% mixture of sorghum grain and crayfish in three categories of soaked sorghum grains with unroasted crayfish (Case A); de-hulled roasted sorghum grains with roasted crayfish (Case B) and de-hulled, un-roasted sorghum grain with un-roasted crayfish (Case C). The proximate analysis, functional and pasting properties in addition to taste panel evaluation of the batch composition were determined. The result indicated beneficial fat and protein contents of the blend with increase addition of crayfish with Case B and Case C preferred. The overall acceptability at 5% confidence level of organoleptic evaluation identified Case B with over 70% acceptance value, while the amylograph pasting analysis indicated that crayfish blend improved the stability of sorghum-ogi, hence it is beneficial as weaning food for infancy

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL EVALUATIONS OF NOVEL HYBRID POLYESTERAMIDEURETHANES PREPARED FROM YELLOW OLEANDA SEED OIL

Air drying polyesteramide-urethanes resins were synthesized from Thevetia peruviana seed oil commonly known as Yellow oleanda (a tropical ornamental shrub) having about 68.8% unsaturated and 30.9% saturated fatty acids. The physico- chemical characterization of the optimized unsaturated FAME such as hydroxyl value, iodine value, saponification value, refractive index, inherent viscosity were carried out using standard methods. Through condensation reaction the N,N'- bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Thevetia peruviana (HETA) prepared from the FAME reacted with isophthalic acid to form polyesteramide. The latter undergo urethanation with H1 ' 2MDI. The structural elucidation of the moisture cured polyesteramide-urethane coating was based on FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic methods. The coatings films were evaluated for its antihacterial activity and thermal stability properties on TGA and DSC. The SEM of the --uating films was also examined

Risk mitigation strategies and policy implications for carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission in organically-amended soils in Nigeria

Global food security has been a challenge, especially in Africa. This has attracted the adoption of strategies to improve soil productivity and crop yield. One of such strategies is the use of solid wastes as soil organic matter amendments. An investigation of the effects of soil amendment using poultry manure, sawdust and their mixtures on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission, maize (Zea mays L.) growth and dry matter yield were assessed under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Top soil obtained from unfertilized plots at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research farm, Ile-Ife, Nigeria was used for the experiments. The organic amendments were added at the rate of 10 g/kg, treatments were in triplicates and treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 95% level of significance. Results obtained revealed that CO 2 emission decreased while maize heights and dry matter yields significantly (P> 0.05) increased with increasing ratios of poultry manure in the poultry manure-sawdust mixtures. The CO 2 emission from poultry manure amended soil was about 61% that from sawdust amended soil while the mean height and dry matter yield in sawdust-amended soils were 84% and 52% respectively those obtained in poultry manure amended soil. This paper concludes that it is essential to design and implement policies that will guide and encourage the use of organic amendments at ratios that can enhance crop yield and mitigate CO 2 emission to the environment