Multivariate determination of cloud point in palm oil using partial least squares and principal component regression based on FTIR spectroscopy

A rapid FTIR spectroscopic method was developed for quantitative determination of the cloud point (CP) in palm oil samples. Calibration samples were prepared by blending randomized amounts of palm olein and palm stearin to produce a wide range of CP values ranging between 8.3 and 47.9°C. Both partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) calibration models for predicting CP were developed by using the FTIR spectral regions from 3000 to 2800 and 1800 to 1600 cm⁻¹. The prediction capabilities of these calibration models were evaluated by comparing their standard errors of prediction (SEP) in an independent prediction set consisting of 14 palm oil samples. The optimal model based on PLS in the spectral range 1800-1600 cm⁻¹ produced lower SEP values (2.03°C) than those found with the PCR (2.31°C) method. FTIR in conjunction with PLS and PCR models was found to be a useful analytical tool for simple and rapid quantitative determination of CP in palm oil.