Showing papers on "Sterculia foetida published in 2013"

Investigation of physical and chemical properties of potential edible and non-edible feedstocks for biodiesel production, a comparative analysis

Abstract: Recently, non-edible vegetable oils have been considered as prospective feedstocks for biodiesel production. This is mainly attributed to their ability to overcome the problems of food versus fuel crisis related to edible oils. Globally, there are more than 350 oil-bearing crops identified as potential sources for biodiesel production. The evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of non-edible feedstocks is very important to assess their viability for future biodiesel production. Therefore, this paper aims to study the properties of some potential non-edible feedstocks. Moreover, the paper studies the physical and chemical properties of these promising crops and compares them with other edible oils. These oils include: crude Calophyllum inophyllum L. (CCIO), Jatropha curcas L. (CJCO), Sterculia foetida L. (CSFO), Croton megalocarpus L. (CCMO), Moringa oleifera L. (CMOO), patchouli (CPO), coconut (CCO), palm (CPaO), canola (CCaO), soybean (CSO) and Pangim edule (CPEO) oils. 14 Different properties have been determined and presented in this study.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using water soluble gum of Sterculia foetida and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity

Abstract: In the present study, green synthesis of Ag0 nanoparticles using gum extract as reducing and capping agent was investigated. Sterculia foetida gum extract prepared at different concentrations (0.1% to 0.01%) was used for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. The gum extract incubated with 1mM AgNO3 and autoclaved for 15 mints showed gradual change in the colour from yellow to reddish brown indicating the formation of silver nanoparticles. Different spectral analyses were used for confirming nanoparticle formation. Sterile silver nanoparticles devoid of bacteria, viruses, and spores could be produced using this method. Antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoparticles was investigated and the synthesized nanoparticles showed inhibitory activity on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Detection of phellinus noxius decay in sterculia foetida tree

Abstract: ON CJ, CHUNG CH, WU ML & CHO CL. 2013. Detection of Phellinus noxius decay in Sterculia foetida tree. The extent and location of decay in a damaged standing hazel bottle tree (Sterculia foetida) infected with brown root rot (Phellinus noxius) were determined using non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, namely, visual inspection, stress wave tomography, drilling resistance and crushing strength. The stress wave velocity, drilling resistance and crushing strength of the infected tree were lower than those of the uninfected tree. Greater decay and damage as well as weaker strength properties were found near the root and bark of the trunk at the base of the infected tree. Observation in the field showed that decay and wood deterioration due to brown root rot developed from the root upwards to the trunk and from the bark penetrating inwards to the pith. Various NDE techniques can be used in combination to detect decay in living tree infected with brown root rot.