Characterization of (Taura) Detarium microcarpum Seed Oil for Fatliquor Production

The seed oil of Detarium microcarpum gave 7.50% oil yield, the Physico-chemical properties (saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value, pH value, refractive index and its functional group using FT-IR) of the extracted oil were analyzed using standard official methods and found to contain oil in low levels. This suggests that they contain mainly saturated fatty acids judging by their low iodine value (61.93 I 2 g100g -1 of oil) which did not exceed 88 I 2 g100g -1 and a refractive index of 1.56 at 40 o C, while the peroxide value 6.00meq-1 was an indication of a low level of hydroperoxides that could initiate or propagate further oxidation of the oil, thereby improving the oxidative stability of the oil for the manufacture of a blended fatliquor which can have ageing properties. The iodine value of the oil (61.93 I 2 g100g -1 of oil) was found to be less than 115 I 2 g 100 g -1 (value for drying oil); this implies that the Detarium microcarpum seeds oil is non-drying oil. This was supported by its saponification value of 213.18mg KOHg -1 and it is an indication that oils of higher saponification value (that is oils of smaller molecules) have high penetrating powers into the leather giving rise to high leather suppleness. The FT-IR spectrums of the oil at various peaks were also observed. The carbonyl functional group: –C=O was observed at 1744.4cm -1 frequency and frequency 3008cm -1 , =CH 2 in unsaturated hydrocarbon was observed. This oil can have useful properties in the manufacturing of soap, cosmetics and lubricants.