This study was conducted to determine the physical characteristics of the hazelnut in two forms and to evaluate the impact of cooking on the physicochemical properties. The results showed that the weight of the African hazelnuts ranged from 5.03±0.81 to 22.15±3.93 g, lengths ranging from 2.0±0.07 to 3.56±0.15 cm, widths from 3.29±0.31 to 3.29±0.31 cm. Lengths and widths of whole fruits and seeds showed no significant differences (p <0.05). The most dominant parameters are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Fat (33.92±6.02-31.73±3.08), protein (11.29±2.15-10.20±2.28), fiber (2.37±0.67-1.45±0.05) and dry matter (94.92±0.47-93.63±1.91) contents (%) decreased significantly (p <0.05) after cooking, while carbohydrates (52.15±4.37-55.75± 5.62) reducing sugars (1.25±0.11-2.08±0.35) and total sugars (5.58 ± 0.87 -6.15±1.3) contents increased. Mineral composition of African hazelnut flours is dominated by potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. The potassium (5582.15±58-5314.65±204 mg/Kg), magnesium (5243.8±226 -4003.8±177 mg/Kg), manganese (31.53±0.8 -30.93±0.7 mg/Kg), iron (30.33±0.45-26.25±0.32 mg/Kg), calcium (1925±63-1167.7 ±18 mg/Kg) and sodium (255±3.54-241.7±1.92 mg/Kg) contents decreased after cooking while zinc content (21.47±1.27-241.7 ± 1.92 mg/Kg) increased.

Two different micro-emulsions based on methyl meth acrylate / butyl acrylate copolymers have been synthesized to be used as retanning agents for chrome tanned leather. The main difference and characteristics of the two prepared copolymers were studied. The nano particle size of the two co-polymers was confirmed using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The characterization of the two prepared copolymers were investigated. The properties of the retanned leather, namely, physico-mechanical properties as water absorption, tear strength; tensile strength and elongation at break were measured. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) technique was used to examine the thermal stability of the retanned leather. Texture of the grain surface and fibers were inspected using Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The retanned leather showed an improvement in its physico-mechanical properties, as well as enhancement of its thermal stability. Also, it has uniform dyestuff, softness and firmness grain. All these promising results provide evidence to the applicability of the prepared copolymer emulsions as efficient retanning agents.