Abstract

Caustic potash from kola nut pod husk (Cola nitida), ugwu pod husk (Teleferia occidentalis) and plantain peels (Musa paradisiaca) were extracted using combustion and leaching process with distilled water as the solvent. Yield observed at varying temperatures are 31, 23, 35% (at 300, 400, 500^oC, respectively). Free caustic alkali contents, free fatty matter and chloride were a bit higher than the value obtained for local black soap (using caustic potash extracted from cocoa pod ash) which served as control (1.00%). It was observed that the samples contained appreciable amount of caustic potash, (kolanut pod husk 24.54 g/100 g, ugwu pod husk 1.60 g/100 g and plantain peel 39.28 g/100 g). This work, thus established the fact that it is possible to convert the erstwhile wasteful caustic potash into a useful raw material.  

Key words: Caustic potash, kolanut husk, ugwu pod husk and plantain peels.