Mesua ferrea L. seed oil based acrylate-modified thermostable and biodegradable highly branched polyester resin/clay nanocomposites

Mesua ferrea L. seed oil based highly branched polyester resin was modified by methyl methacrylate through grafting polymerization technique. The nanocomposites of this acrylate-modified polyester and 1–5 wt% loadings of organically modified montmorrilonite (OMMT) nanoclay were prepared by an ex situ technique using strong mechanical mixing and ultrasonication. Formation of nanocomposites was confirmed by X-ray diffractometeric (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses. The absence of d_0 0 1 reflections of OMMT in XRD and TEM study revealed the partial exfoliation of OMMT by the polymer chain. The homogeneous surface morphology was also ascertained from SEM. Mechanical and thermal studies of the nanocomposites showed an appreciable improvement in tensile strength and thermal stability by OMMT loading. The enhancement of tensile strength by 2.5 times and thermal stability by 32 °C for 5 wt% OMMT filled nanocomposite was observed compared to that of pristine system. The rheological behavior of the nanocomposites was also investigated and shear thinning was observed. Biodegradation of the nanocomposite films was assayed using two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, SD2 and SD3 and one strain of Bacillus subtilis, MTCC736. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced biodegradability as compared to pristine acrylate modified polyester. All the results showed the potentiality of the nanocomposites as advanced thin film materials for suitable applications.     

Mesua ferrea L. Seed Oil-Based Highly Branched Polyester Resins

Highly branched polyester resins with different amounts of trimellitic anhydride (B₃ monomer) and pre-polyester diol (A₂ monomer) of Mesua ferrea L. seed oil, phthalic and maleic anhydrides have been synthesized. The effect of branching of the synthesized polyester resins on physical properties such as acid values, saponification values, iodine values, etc. and rheological characteristics have been studied. The extent of reaction (P) and average degree of polymerization (DP) with respect to the acid value were determined for these resinification reactions. Performance characteristics such as impact resistance, gloss, scratch hardness, chemical resistances, etc. of the cured resins have been investigated.     

Epoxy-Modified Mesua ferrea L. Seed-Oil-Based Polyester/Clay Nanocomposites

The nanocomposites of epoxy-modified Mesua ferrea L. seed-oil-based polyester resin were designed with 0-5 wt% loadings of organophillic montmorrilonite (OMMT). X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy studies revealed very good dispersion of OMMT with exfoliated structure in the matrix. The effects of OMMT on the curing, thermal, mechanical, and rheological behaviors of the nanocomposites were also investigated. Two times’ improvement in tensile strength, 2 kg increment in scratch hardness, and 68°C enhancement in thermal degradation temperature were obtained for the nanocomposites with 5 wt% OMMT loading compared to pristine polyester.     

Evaluation of Mesua ferrea L. seed oil modified polyurethane paints

Two types of stoving paints have been prepared from Mesua ferrea L. seed oil (MFLSO) modified poly(urethane ester) (PUE) binder systems. One stoving paint system was prepared from partially butylated melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin modified MFLSO-based PUE (70:30 weight ratio) and other one comprised of bisphenol-A-based epoxy resin modified with MFLSO-based PUE (50:50 weight ratio). Paints made with these two resin systems as binders were evaluated against the standard paint system. The physical properties of the paint systems viz. non-volatile content, specific gravity, viscosity, drying time, flexibility, adhesion, scratch hardness, gloss, etc. and chemical properties such as corrosion resistance, salt spray resistance, UV resistance, etc. were measured as per the standard methods and were compared. Thermal stability and surface morphology of the paints were also studied by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The performance characteristics of both the test paints were found to be comparable with the corresponding industrial standard paints. Out of the two test paints, the epoxy modified PUE-based stoving paint has been found to be preferred.     

Genetic variation in Mexican Jatropha curcas L. estimated with seed oil fatty acids

The genetic diversity of Mesoamerican populations of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas, using the fatty acids of the seeds as chemical markers was studied. The oil content of the whole seed in 135 accessions from 38 sites varied between 8.020% and 54.28%. The prevalent fatty acids were oleic acid (18:1) and linoleic acid (18:2), and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids varied between 74.5% and 83.7%. A study with cloned plants grown in common garden showed that both the content of oil as well as the proportion of fatty acids are highly inheritable, therefore these chemical markers are valid for estimating the genetic diversity of the species. An analysis of principal components showed that the fatty acids that contribute more to the variance are stearic, oleic, linoleic, methylpalmitic, gadoleic and ricinoleic. The populations were classified in ten groups when the data were analyzed for fatty acids by analysis of clusters, showing the elevated genetic variation in natural populations of this native species of Mesoamerica. A discriminant analysis separated the populations in accordance with their geographic origin, which was verified with a Mantel test. Using the Monmonier's algorithm two genetic barriers between the populations were identified. The results are discussed in light of their microevolutionary significance.     

Stoving paint from Mesua ferrea L. seed oil based short oil polyester and MF resins blend

A short oil polyester resin based on Mesua ferrea L. (Nahar) seed oil was prepared by the conventional alcoholysis process with glycerol followed by polycondensation with phthalic anhydride using the azeotropic distillation technique. The extent of reaction (P) and average degree of polymerization (DP) with respect to the acid value were determined for this resinification reaction. This resin and a castor oil based similar type of resin were utilized for the preparation of stoving paints separately along with partially butylated melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin (70:30 weight ratio) using an industrial Ball Mill system. The morphology and thermal stability of paints were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The performance characteristics of both paints were investigated by measurement of gloss, flexibility, impact resistance, pencil hardness, adhesion, humidity and salt spray tests, etc. The results indicate that the paint based on Nahar oil polyester resin could be used in different applications as low cost stoving paint.     

Elderberry seed oil (Sambucus canadensis L.): preliminary communication

Summary The seed oil of the American elder (S. canadensis L.), like that of other members of this genus on which data are extant, is a drying oil. In so far as present information reveals, it appears that genetic relationships are here qualitatively reflected by biochemical similarities in the fatty oils. Yields of the latter depend upon the nature of the menstruum employed. A paper presented at the Fall Meeting, A.O.C.S., Chicago, October 8–9, 1936.     

Fenugreek seed oil

Summary Comparison of the heretofore known analytical constants of the fatty oil with those herein reported show that the order of magnitude thereof is substantially the same. The list has been increased, however, to include values not previously recorded. A separation of the fatty acids of this oil has been made with the following approximate results: palmitic acid, 7.3 per cent; stearic acid, 2.4 per cent; arachidic acid, 0.9 per cent; behenic acid, 0.6 per cent; oleic acid, 21 per cent; linoleic acid, 37 per cent; and linolenic acid, 19 per cent.     

Kenaf seed oil

Summary Kenaf oil is obtained from the seeds ofHibiscus cannabinus L. The procedure for extracting the oil is practically the same as is used in extracting cotton seed oil. The seed is ground and pressed without decortication because the episperm is strongly adherent to the kernel and also because of the peculiar shape of the seed. Up to 20% oil of the weight of the seed may be obtained, depending upon the extraction method used. The oil is nonsiccative and, when refined, may be used for salads and cooking purposes. Generally speaking, it has the same uses as cotton seed oil which it may substitute with the advantage of having a somewhat milder odor. The residual cake, which is gray in color due to the presence of the episperm may be advantageously used as a concentrate food for cattle. Presented at 20th annual fall meeting, American Oil Chemists Society, Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 1946, in Chicago. The investigations reported here were made possible by funds provided through the Interdepartmental Committee for Cultural and Scientific Cooperation with the Am. Republics, together with the financial support of the government of El Salvador.     

Morro seed oil

Summary The quantitative production of malonaldehyde during the oxidation of pure, unsaturated fatty acids under controlled conditions, has been measured and correlated with their off-odor. It was found that malonaldehyde does not accumulate as a stable end-product of fat oxidation but reaches a peak at the same time that oxygen uptake begins declining. Oxidation products of all of the fatty acids investigated reacted slowly with TBA to give a compound absorbing at 450 mμ in addition to the malonaldehyde-TBA complex absorbing at 538 mμ. A contribution from Servicio Cooperativo Agrícola Salvadore?o-Americano, a technical agricultural service organization for El Salvador. operated jointly by the Government of El Salvador and the International Cooperation Administration.     

Alfalfa seed oil

Herein reported are the initial results of an attempt to clarify conflicting statements on the nature and composition of alfalfa seed oil. Its unsaturated acid fraction contains representatives of three common types, linolenic and linoleic acids, neither of which, apparently, is present there in isomeric form, and oleic acid. The study is being continued.     

Vernonia anthelmintica (L) willd. highly purified epoxy components from the seed oil

The chief component ofVernonia anthelmintica (L.) A Willd. (ironweed) seed oil, trivernolin, and its minor components, 1,3-divernolin and vernolic (epoxyoleic) acid, have been produced in pound quantities of commercial grade quality (93-99% pure). Refinement of these epoxy components to chromatographically pure compounds has now been accomplished. Trivernolin has been the most difficult, vernolic acid the easiest, to purify. To upgrade trivernolin to about 100% purity, a combination of procedures was necessary including extraction, low temperature crystallizations, adsorbent treatments, and column chromatog-raphy, each monitored by thin-layer chromatog-raphy (TLC). Vernolic acid of 93.7% purity was highly refined by a single pass through a silicic acid column. Some physical characteristics of these epoxy compounds are given. None of the compounds were completely stable in storage as evaluated by Chromatographic procedures.     

Cyanolipids ofKoelreuteria paniculata Laxm. seed oil

Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. (Sapindaceae) seed oil is a mixture of cyanolipids (42%) and ordinary triglycerides. The cyanolipid portion contains two classes of components. One of these (25% of the oil) is a mixture of diesters composed of two fatty acid moieties (predominantly C₁₈ and C₂₀ monoenoic) esterified with an unsaturated five-carbon dihydroxynitrile (1-cyano-2-hydroxymethylprop-1-ene-3-ol). The other class (17% of the oil) consists of cyanolipids having one fatty acid moiety (predominantly C₂₀ monoenoic) esterified with 1-cyano-2-methylprop-1-ene-3-ol. Monoesters based on this same hydroxynitrile were previously isolated fromStocksia brahuica seed oil and characterized. Hydrogenation of the diesters was accompanied by varying degrees of hydrogenolysis of the ester groups. The hydrogenated diester was reduced with lithium borohydride and the dihydroxynitrile portion was isolated. Acetolysis of the hydrogenated diester in glacial acetic acid with sulfuric acid catalyst yielded an acetylated γ-lactone. The double bond of the dihydroxynitrile moiety in the diester does not react with bromine in carbon tetrachloride. Presented at the AOCS Meeting, New Orleans, April 1970. No. Utiliz. Res. Dev. Div., ARS, USDA.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of daphne (Laurus nobilis L.) seed oil

Laurus nobilis L., commonly known as daphne tree, is an evergreen that belongs to the Lauraceae family. Daphne trees produce grape-sized shiny purplish berries having three parts: flesh, skin, and an inner kernel (single seed). This study examines supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO₂) extraction of oil from daphne seeds. The oil yield of ground seeds varied from 14 to 28% depending on the method and particle size used for oil recovery. Yields were similar for both petroleum ether and SC-CO₂ extraction. The extraction yield decreased significantly with increasing particle size. The amount of extract collected increased exponentially with increasing SC-CO₂ pressure. The highest extraction yield was obtained at the highest temperature studied, 75°C. More than 45% of the oil was lauric acid. SC-CO₂ is a viable technique to obtain high-purity L. nobilis L. seed oil, which is a potential ingredient for the cosmetic industry.