The extraction of oil from African locust bean seeds was carried out in this work. Standard procedures were followed to determine the yield present in the oil feed stocks using n-hexane in a Soxhlet extraction apparatus. Analyses were carried out to determine their proximate compositions and physicochemical characteristics. The determination of the functional groups and fatty acid compositions present in the extracted oils was also carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) respectively. The results revealed that African locust bean seed has higher oil yield, crude fat, crude protein, ash content, crude fibre, moisture content than some other seeds such as Date palm seed with the exception of the carbohydrates content. Similarly, African locust bean seed oil which was yellowish brown in colour contained higher acid value, iodine value, peroxide value, free fatty acid with the exception of saponification value and specific gravity in comparism. Result from the FTIR analysis shows that 15 peaks were noticed in African locust bean seed oil, indicating the presence of various functional groups such as OH, C-H, C=C, C=O, C≡ C and C — N. Similarly, the GC-MS result also reveals that there are 6 dominating fatty acid compounds present in locust beans seed oil in relation to their relative weight composition abundance. In locust bean seed oil, linoleic acid stood out as the fatty acid compound with the highest weight composition of 31.9% having a relatively high degree of unsaturation. Furthermore, capric acid and lauric acid were found in this oil.  Judging from all the results in this work, it can be deduced that African locust bean seed oil may serve as better alternative oil for consumption and in large-scale production of lubricants, cosmetics, paints, and hydraulic brake fluid.

This work focuses on the extraction of oil from date palm seed. Using n-hexane in Soxlet extraction apparatus, standard procedures were followed to determine the oil feed stock yield. Proximate compositions and physicochemical characteristics were carried out. Also, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to determine the functional groups and the fatty acid composition of the oil respectively. The result shows that the appearance of date palm seed oil is reddish brown in colour. Result from the FTIR analysis also shows that 17 peaks were noticed from date palm seed oil, indicating the presence of various functional groups such as OH, C-H, C=C, C=O, C  The dominating types and number of functional groups are found on the single bond stretch and on the fingerprint region skeletal vibration. Similarly, the GC-MS result also reveals that there are 5 dominating fatty acid compounds present in date palm seed oil in relation to their abundant relative weight composition. In date seed oil, oleic acid which comprise of omega-9 fatty acid is found to be the only monounsaturated fatty acid with the highest weight composition of 49.4%. The inference that can be drawn from the results in this work in relation to application suggest that, date palm seed oil will be suitable for soap production and cleansing agents. Also, omega-9 fatty acid has some health benefits that can strengthen the brain as well as the heart. Furthermore, research on the life shelf and storage of this oil should be looked into, as it relates to the peroxidation of oil.

This paper presents the unique and outstanding properties of hybrid polymer composite (HPC).  The various classification of HPC based on the combination of matrices, fibres and fillers in use are brought to bear. The different techniques/methods employed in the production of hybrid polymer composites, ranging from hot press to cold press are being discussed. It is paramount to note that the production process of HPC from start to finish is not without some inherent and external challenges, such as agglomeration of fibre, fillers and weak interfacial adhesion between fillers and matrices. Chemical modification of fibre was identified as one of the ways of proffering solution to this drawback. This study also presents a wide range of the application of HPC as enumerated in this work. The degradation of HPC as a result of natural and accelerated weathering conditions such as ultra violet (UV) rays, heat caused by high temperature, rain and humidity was also discussed. The durability and lifespan of these HPC can be strengthened and prolonged through the use of intumescents and other additives. All of these can help in improving the resistance of HPC to adverse weathering conditions.