Absorption of neem (azadirachta indica) seed oil by split-bamboo (bambusa vulgaris) at different temperature regimes and treatment durations

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate absorption of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed oil by split-bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl.) samples at two different treatment temperature (TT) regimes and durations of treatment (DOT). A multivariate linear regression model was also developed for predicting oil absorption (OA) from TT and DOT. Split-bamboo specimens from the same source with same dimension were oven-dried at 103 ± 2 oC, conditioned to 11.76% mean moisture content, and treated by completely soaking a set in oil at an ambient room temperature of 25 ± 2 oC for 24 hours (A) and by soaking the other in hot oil at 60 oC for 4 hours (B). Results obtained showed that test specimens for A and B had mean OA values of 57.02 ± 3.23 and 124.30 ± 7.26 kgm-3 respectively. Regression model developed for predicting OA from TT and DOT had a coefficient of determination of 0.93 with a significant ANOVA result (p < 0.05). Implications of the results obtained were discussed while conclusions and recommendations were made in line with the outcome of the study.