The interest in natural reinforced polymer composite materials is rapidly growing both in industrial and basic research applications. This is based on its availability, renewability, low density, cheapness, biodegradability, and satisfactory mechanical properties. The research reports on the isolation and characterization of cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod (PMBP) biomass wastes for polymer reinforcement composites. Cellulose was successfully isolated from PMBP biomass via delignification and bleaching. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and deformation gravimetric analysis (DGA) were used to characterise the raw and isolated cellulose. The isolated cellulose has better thermal stability, crystallinity, and porosity than the raw cellulose. The removal of the matrix material (most hemicelluloses and almost all the lignin) led to an increase in the crystallinity and the maintenance of the thermal stability of the cellulose. The functional group elucidation showed that both raw and isolated contained cellulose, the morphology of the cellulose revealed some essential elements that are suitable for good polymer reinforcement composites. The obtained cellulose could serve as a reinforcing material in composite products or as a raw material for other applications.

Polysiloxanes are characterized by silicon and oxygen backbone and are hydrophobic in nature with low moisture uptake widely used for medical applications. Polysiloxane immobilized thiosalicylic acid ligand system has been prepared through sol-gel method, gelation was observed after 40 minutes. The immobilized ligand was characterized using FTIR, the spectrum showed characteristic absorption bands (cm -1 ) at: 3377 (OH), 2981 (C-H stretch); 2631 (SH); 1587 to 1684 (C=C, C=O); 1032 to 1144 (Si -O) respectively. SEM analysis showed irregular particle sizes of the polysiloxane matrices while EDX elemental composition gave (wt %): 3-CPPS; Si (50.45), O (25.02) and Cl (24.57). F -3CPPS showed, O (58.68), Si (41.32); thiosalicylic (7.14 of S). The extraction of metal ions (Cr 3+ , Fe 3+ , Pb 2+ , Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ ) were studied using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (Agilent MPAES-4200) at pH 6.0. Thermodynamic range with respect to Cr 3+ , Fe 3+ , Pb 2+ , Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ yielded negative values for∆G o : Cu 2+ -(11.483 to 14.842) to Zn 2+ -(14.368 to 14.842)KJmol -1 ; positive values for ∆H o : Fe 3+ (0.000) to Pb 2+ (105.130)KJmol -1 and ∆S o : Zn 2+ (47.421) to Pb 2+ (389.328)Jmol 1 K 1 respectively, indicating spontaneous, endothermic reactions and high degree of disorderliness with respect to metal ion binding capacity to the ligand system.

Background: The aim and objective of this study was to evaluate methanolic extract of Bombax buonopozense (stem) for antimicrobial and phytochemical screening. Methods: The methanolic stem extract of B. buonopozense with documented ethno-medicinal  applications were fractionated in different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) and subjected to phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity against some disease-causing microorganisms including gram positive and gram negative (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli). The antimicrobial tests were carried out in triplicates, the data obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA using statistical package for social science (SPSS). Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Alkaloids, saponins, saponin glycosides, Tannins, hydrolysable Tannins, steroids and triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols and volatile oils. Each fractions of the extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against all the organisms tested. MIC values of each fractions revealed strong inhibition against all the organisms tested. The methanolic stem extract of B. buonopozense in chloroform, water, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and n-butanol showed the following MIC values. S. aureus. 6.25, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 12.5. E. coli  100, 100, 50, 6.25 and 12.5. Salmonella spp. 3.125, 12.5, 25, 3.125 and 12.5 respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that the extract posses’ antimicrobial properties which can be used as alternatives to conventional antibiotics.                           Peer Review History: Received: 25 August 2022; Revised: 8 October; Accepted: 8 November, Available online: 15 November 2022 Academic Editor: Dr. Jennifer Audu-Peter, University of Jos, Nigeria, drambia44@gmail.com Received file:                             Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Prof. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf, Sana'a university, Yemen, alialkaf21@gmail.com Similar Articles:   IN -VIVO ANTI-DIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF BOMBAX BUONOPOZENSE CRITICAL REVIEW ON BOMBAX CEIBA, ALOE VERA AND XIMENIA AMERICANA

Speculations have it that phthalonitrile imparts flame retardancy on substrates. This study aimed to investigate the activities of phthalonitrile as flame retardant on 100% cotton fabric. The fabric samples tested were cut into 25:4 x 7 cm pieces, scoured, dried, and weighed. They were then impregnated with different concentrations of phthalonitrile in different solvents (benzene and acetone) and emulsion alongside alum dissolved in water. At the same time, the untreated fabric was used as a control. All the impregnated pieces of fabric were dried at room temperature and reweighed. The fabrics were subjected to add-on%, after flame time, after-glow time, and % char formation tests. The results showed that cotton-tested flame retardant properties increase with the increase in the concentration of phthalonitrile. Phthalonitrile has flame retardant properties on 100% cotton fabric.

Levels of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cd) were determined in soil, rice grain, and rice stalk from Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu rice field, Ebonyi state, Nigeria. The dried samples were digested with a 1: 3 (HNO3: HCl) mixture and analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean concentration of the metals in the soil before planting, soil after harvest, and rice grain were as follows: Zn (7.28, 11.33 and 24.90); Cu (3.40,4.64 and 4.14); Fe (803.04, 735.47 and 107.78); Cd (1.14, ND and ND) and were all within FEPA and FAO/WHO limits. The daily intake values for a 60 kg adult were Zn (0.04), Cu (0.01), and Fe (0.18) and were all below the recommended limits by Codex Alimentarius standards. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for Zn, Cu, and Fe was less than one (1<), and the total hazard index was less than 1, indicating that the population will not be exposed to the potential health risk from these metals. However, the metal levels should be monitored to ensure they stay at harmless levels.