Volume :
1
Issue :
1
Abstract :
This paper carried out an experimental study, through extraction and characterization of crude Spermacoce hispida seed oil. Petroleum ether was used as solvent for the extraction process. The characterization analysis revealed that tested parameters, which include specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification value and iodine value for crude oil produced, were within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard specifications. Characterization of the oils by standard techniques suggests that they contain high levels of saturated fatty acids, judging by their low iodine values. Hence they are unsuitable as alkyl resins for paint formulation but may, however, be used for soap production judging by their high saponification values. Spermacoce hispida showed the considerable reduction in Iodine value and increase in Peroxide value over a period of one month under storage conditions of light, darkness and refrigeration. In light, the Iodine Value (I.V) value dropped by 50% at the end of one month, while under the same conditions the Peroxide Value (P.V) increased by almost fivefold. Fewer profound changes in both I.V and P.V were observed for oil stored in darkness and under refrigeration. The observed profound changes were explained as arising from oxidative rancidity of the oils.