Density and viscosity of vegetable oils

A generalized method was developed to estimate the liquid density of vegetable oils and fatty acids. The correlation for vegetable oils was based on fatty acid critical properties and composition of the oil. The correlations predicted the density of vegetable oils and fatty acids with an average absolute deviation of 0.21 and 0.77%, respectively. The present method is slightly more accurate in predicting vegetable oil density and simpler than the method of Halvorsen et al. Also, a method is introduced that predicts viscosity from density data, thus relating two key properties of vegetable oils.     

Viscosities of vegetable oils and fatty acids

Data for viscosity as a function of temperature from 24 to 110°C (75 to 230°F) have been measured for a number of vegetable oils (crambe, rapeseed, corn, soybean, milk-weed, coconut, lesquerella) and eight fatty acids in the range from C₉ to C₂₂. The viscosity measurements were performed according to ASTM test methods D 445 and D 446. Several correlations were fitted to the experimental data. Correlation constants for the best fit are presented. The range of temperature in which the correlations are valid is from 24°C (75°F), or the melting point of the substance, to 110°C (230°F). The correlation constants are valuable for designing or evaluating such chemical process equipment as heat exchangers, reactors, distillation columns, mixing vessels and process piping.     

Density estimation for fatty acids and vegetable oils based on their fatty acid composition

The liquid density of fatty acids can be accurately estimated by the modified Rackett equation over a wide range of temperatures. The modified Rackett equation requires the critical properties and an empirical parameter,Z _RA , for each acid as the basis for computing density as a function of temperature. The liquid density of vegetable oils can be estimated by using mixture properties corresponding to the fatty acid composition and a correction for the triglyceride form. The density prediction is explicitly temperature-dependent.     

Viscosity estimation of triacylglycerols and of some vegetable oils, based on their triacylglycerol composition

The experimentally determined kinematic viscosities of simple triacylglycerols [trilaurin, trimyristin (MMM), tripalmitin (PPP), tristearin (SSS), triolein (OOO), and trilinolein (LiLiLi) were correlated to a modified Andrade-type equation. The constants for the modified equation were derived for each simple triacylglycerol. The method was also used to estimate the viscosity of mixed triacylglycerols [1,2-dimyristoyl-3-palmitoyl (MMP), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-palmitoyl (OOP), 1,2-dimyristoyl-3-oleoyl (MMO), and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl (PPO)], binary triacylglycerol mixtures (PPO/OOP, PPP/SSS, and OOO/SSS of different portions), and three types of vegetable oils [refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil; cocoa butter; and canola oil] by applying modified Kay’s rule utilizing the simple triacylglycerol constants derived earlier. In all cases, the estimated values for liquid viscosity were compared with experimental values determined in this work and with previous work from the literature. When applied to vegetable oils, the method requires knowledge of their triacylglycerol composition. Despite its simplicity, the method gives a reasonable estimate. The method may be used to predict the viscosity of different blends of vegetable oils, and the accuracy is expected to increase when more experimental data on simple triacylglycerols become available.     

Trans fatty acid composition and tocopherol content in vegetable oils produced in Mexico

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trans fatty acid (TFA) composition and the tocopherol content in vegetable oils produced in Mexico. Sample oils were obtained from 18 different oil refining factories, which represent 72% of the total refineries in Mexico. Fatty acids and TFA isomers were determined by gas chromatography using a 100-m fused-silica capillary column (SP-2560). Tocopherol content was quantified by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet detector and a LiChrosorb Si60 column (25 cm). Results showed that 83% of the samples corresponded to soybean oil. Seventy-two percent of the oils analyzed showed TFA content higher than 1%. Upon comparing the tocopherol contents in some crude oils to their corresponding deodorized samples, a loss of 40–56% was found. The processing conditions should be carefully evaluated in order to reduce the loss of tocopherols and the formation of TFA during refining.     

A multivariate study of the correlation between tocopherol content and fatty acid composition in vegetable oils

The main biochemical function of the tocopherols is believed to be the protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) against peroxidation. A critical question that must be asked in reference to this is whether there is a biochemical link between the tocopherol levels and the degree of unsaturation in vegetable oils, the main source of dietary PUFA and vitamin E. We used a mathematical approach in an effort to highlight some facts that might help address this question. Literature data on the relative composition of fatty acids (16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3) and the contents of tocopherols (α-, β-, δ-, and γ-tocopherol) in 101 oil samples, including 14 different botanical species, were analyzed by principal-component analysis and linear regression. There was a negative correlation between α- and γ-tocopherols (r=0.633, P<0.05). Results also showed a positive correlation between linoleic acid (18:2) and α-tocopherol (r=0.549, P<0.05) and suggested a positive correlation between linolenic acid (18:3) and γ-tocopherol.     

Antioxidant activity of amino acid sodium and potassium salts in vegetable oils at frying temperatures

Previous studies reported that several amino acids had strong antioxidant activity in vegetable oils under frying conditions. In this study, amino acids were converted to their sodium or potassium salts, and a heating study was conducted with 5.5 mM amino acid salts in soybean oil (SBO) at 180°C. Sodium salts of amino acids including alanine, phenylalanine, and proline and disodium glutamate had significantly stronger antioxidant activity than the corresponding amino acids, and potassium salts had stronger antioxidant activity than sodium salts. Potassium salts of alanine and phenylalanine more effectively retained tocopherols in SBO than the corresponding amino acids during heating. Phenylalanine potassium salt had stronger antioxidant activity than phenylalanine in other vegetable oils including olive, high oleic soybean, canola, avocado, and corn oils. Phenylalanine potassium salt at 5.5 mM more effectively prevented oil oxidation than tert-butyl hydroquinone, a synthetic antioxidant, at its legal concentration limit (0.02%) indicating its feasibility as a new antioxidant for frying.     

Oxidation of unsaturated fatty acid derivatives and vegetable oils

The present review reports the current literature of the last 10 years on selective oxidation reactions of fatty acid derivatives and vegetable oils. The work is structured in divisions including epoxidation, radical oxidations, Wacker‐type oxidation, dihydroxylation and C=C double bond cleavage.     

Ruthenium-catalyzed metathesis of vegetable oils

A new process for the acyclic diene metathesis of vegetable oils utilizing Grubbs’ ruthenium catalyst (Cy₃P)₂Cl₂Ru = CHPh has been developed. The higher molecular weight oligomers obtained can be separated from the unreacted oil and the lower molecular weight alkene by-products easily. The reaction proceeds in the absence of solvent, with very low catalyst concentrations (0.1 mole %) under moderate temperatures and low pressures. This process does not require the stringent exclusion of water and oxygen that the previous method (Me₄Sn plus WCl₆) required. Low pressures appear to favor polymerization by removing the alkene by-products. The metathesis reaction has been shown to be effective for many unsaturated vegetable oils, although some cases require oil pretreatment with silica gel. This process is effective on a 2–200 g scale. Chromatographic separation and characterization of metathesized soybean oil indicate that the process involves intermolecular and intramolecular carbon-carbon double-bond formation.     

Synthesis of fatty acid esters from acid oils using lipase B from Candida antarctica

Esterification of corn and sunflower acid oils with straight‐ and branched‐chain alcohols were conducted using lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) in n‐hexane. Sunflower acid oil consisted of 55.6% free fatty acids and 24.7% triacylglycerols, while the free fatty acids and triacylglycerols contents of corn acid oil were 75.3% and 8.6%, respectively. After 1.5 h of methanolysis of sunflower acid oil, the highest fatty acid methyl ester content (63.6%) was obtained at 40 °C and the total fatty acid/methanol molar ratio was 1/1, using 15% enzyme based on acid oil weight. The conversion of both acid oils with straight‐ and branched‐chain alcohols was not significantly affected by the chain length of the alcohols. However, the lowest fatty acid methyl ester content (50%) was obtained in the reaction of corn acid oil with methanol. Sunflower acid oil was converted to fatty acid esters using primer alcohols such as n‐propanol, i‐ and n‐butanol, n‐amylalcohols, n‐octanol, and a mixture of amylalcohol isomers, resulting in a fatty acid ester content of about 70% at 40 °C.     

Sugarcane bagasse composites from vegetable oils

Sugarcane bagasse composites have been prepared by the free radical polymerization of regular or modified vegetable oils with divinylbenzene and n‐butyl methacrylate in the presence of dried, ground sugarcane bagasse. Various cure times and temperatures have been investigated to determine the optimum cure sequence for the new materials. The postcure time has also been varied, and an ideal postcure treatment of 1 h at 180°C at ambient pressure has given the best overall properties. The effect of varying the filler load and resin composition has been assessed by means of tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, Soxhlet extraction, followed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of the extracts, and scanning electron microscopy. It has been observed that the initial washing and drying of the filler influence the filler–resin interaction and impact the final properties of the composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Near infrared spectral patterns of fatty acid analysis from fats and oils

A near infrared (NIR) spectral pattern of oil contains information about fatty acid composition, because NIR absorption bands around 1600–1800 nm and 2100–2200 nm are due to the straight carbon chain andcis double bonds, respectively. This study was undertaken to build a foundation for the rapid determination of the fatty acid composition in oil by an NIR method. First, NIR spectra of pure triglycerides were measured and characterized. Fatty acid compositions could be estimated roughly by comparing the spectra of fats and oils (butter fat, pig milk fat, soybean oil and palm oil) with those of pure triglycerides. Secondly, the NIR spectra of these fats and oils were reconstructed by summation of the triglyceride spectra, which are multiplied by factors corresponding to the fatty acid composition of the sample determined by gas chromatography. The calculated spectra agree with the originals, especially for that of soybean oil. However, in order to reconstruct spectra precisely, it may be necessary to reevaluate the loading weight of each triglyceride, which was equal in this study. Part of this study was presented at the 3rd International Conference on Near Infrared Spectroscopy on June 28, 1990, Brussels, Belgium.     

Performance of higher poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s as viscosity modifiers in vegetable oils

Recently, bio-derived materials such as vegetable oils are significantly employed in lubricating oil formulations due to its high flash point, high lubricity, low evaporation loss, renewability, biodegradability, and eco-friendliness when compared to mineral oil. We investigated the performance of seven poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s as viscosity modifiers in two vegetable oils, namely, coconut oil and sunflower oil, which differ in the percentage of polar compounds and degree of unsaturation. Poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s having alkyl as hexyl to dodecyl group in different concentrations between 1 and 2 wt% were added to coconut and sunflower oil and parameters such as thickening power or Q factor, kinematic viscosity (μ), and viscosity index (VI) were calculated. The μ values at 40°C and 100°C of vegetable oils studied were lower than commercially available SAE20W40 engine oil, but the VI of coconut and sunflower oil was higher by about 22%. Value of Q factor higher than 1, indicated that these poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s were VI improvers. VI increased with increase in the polymer concentration in both the vegetable oils. The length of the alkyl side chain of these polymers and the polarity of vegetable oil had predominant effect in determining the values of VI of vegetable oils. By using these polymer additives, VI was improved by 85.5% in coconut oil and by 61.7% in sunflower oil. Varying the concentration and alkyl group of these additives, one can largely modify the viscosity ranges enabling them to be used in different lubricating applications.     

Oxidative and flavor stabilities of soybean oils with low-and ultra-low-linolenic acid composition

The effects of linolenic acid (18∶3) concentration, combined with TBHQ addition, temperature, and storage time, on the oxidative and flavor stabilities of soybean oils (SBO) were evaluated. During storage under fluorescent light at both 21 and 32°C, the SBO with ultra-low-18∶3 concentration (1.0%, ULSBO) generally had greater oxidative stability than did SBO with low-18∶3 concentration (2.2%, LLSBO). The ULSBO had about half the p-anisidine value of LLSBO throughout storage. Although the ULSBO initially had significantly greater PV and poorer (lower) sensory scores for overall flavor quality than did LLSBO, significant differences disappeared with storage. The ULSBO had a lower content of polar compounds and greater oil stability indices than did LLSBO when TBHQ was present. All oils were more oxidatively stable with TBHQ addition, but the TBHQ addition did not result in improved flavor stability early in storage. In all tests, oils stored at 32°C were less stable than oils stored at 21°C. The TBHQ had a better antioxidant capacity when the 18∶3 concentration was lower. The retardation effect of TBHQ on lipid oxidation and the improved stability of ULSBO over LLSBO were more easily detected when the storage temperature was higher.     

Tocopherols in breeding lines and effects of planting location, fatty acid composition, and temperature during development

As the use of tocopherols as natural antioxidants increases, it is economically and agronomically important to determine the range, composition, and factors that affect their levels in oilseed crops, a major commercial source. In this study, tocopherols were quantified from seeds of wheat, sunflower, canola, and soybean. The breeding lines analyzed possessed a broad range of economically important phenotypic traits such as disease or herbicide resistance, improved yield and agronomic characteristics, and altered storage oil fatty acid composition. Complete separation of all four native tocopherols was achieved using normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Total tocopherol concentration among wheat germ oil samples ranged from 1947 to 4082 μg g⁻¹. Total tocopherol concentration ranges varied from 534 to 1858 μg g⁻¹ in sunflower, 504 to 687 μg g⁻¹ in canola, and 1205 to 2195 μg g⁻¹ among the soybean oils surveyed. Although the composition of tocopherols varied substantially among crops, composition was stable within each crop. Total tocopherol concentration and the percentage linolenic acid were correlated positively in soybean oils with modified and unmodified fatty acid compositions. Tocopherol concentration and degree of unsaturation were not correlated in sunflower or canola seeds with genetically altered fatty acid composition. These findings suggest that breeding for altered storage oil fatty acid composition did not negatively impact tocopherol concentrations in sunflower and canola as they apparently did in soybeans. When 12 soybean breeding lines were grown at each of five locations, significant correlations were observed among planting location, breeding line, tocopherol concentration, and fatty acid composition. Analysis of seeds that matured under three different controlled temperature regimes suggests that the relationship between tocopherol concentration level and unsaturated fatty acids in commodity (not genetically modified for fatty acid composition) oil types is due to temperature effects on the biosynthesis of both compounds.     

Highly accurate photopyroelectric measurement of thermal diffusivity of vegetable oils

High‐accuracy photopyroelectric measurements, in the thermal‐wave‐resonator‐cavity configuration, were performed in order to measure the thermal diffusivity of some vegetable oils. The high resolution (relative error ±0.5%) of the above method allows for the detection of small changes in the values of this dynamic thermal parameter. The accuracy of the results is mainly due to the possibility to precisely control the variation (30‐nm step) of sample thickness, a proper selection of the range of the thickness scan (2 µ_m < L_m < 4 µ_m ? 5 µ_m), and an iterative procedure of data analysis. A correlation between thermal diffusivity and the fatty acid composition (obtained via gas chromatography) is suggested for some fresh (sunflower, hemp, flax, and soybean) oils and for hemp oil exposed to a microwave field: Thermal diffusivity appears to be determined by the overall content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

Densities of vegetable oils and fatty acids

Complete data for density as a function of temperature have been measured for a number of vegetable oils (crambe, rapeseed, corn, soybean, milkweed, coconut, lesquerella), as well as eight fatty acids in the range C₉ to C₂₂ at temperatures from above their melting points to 110°C (230°F). The specific gravity and density measurements were performed according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard test methods D 368, D 891 and D 1298 for hydrometers and a modified ASTM D 369 and D 891 for pycnometers. Correlation constants, based on the experimental data, are presented for calculating the density of fatty acids and vegetable oils in the range of temperature from 24°C (75°F) or the melting point of the substance, to 110°C (230°F). The constants are valuable for designing or evaluating such chemical process equipment as heat exchangers, reactors, process piping and storage tanks. Estimated density of fatty acids by a modified Rackett equation is also presented.     

Kinematic viscosity of fatty acid methyl esters: Prediction, calculated viscosity contribution of esters with unavailable data, and carbon–oxygen equivalents

Many properties of biodiesel, the mono-alkyl esters of vegetable oils, animal fats or other triacylglycerol-containing feedstocks, are largely determined by its major components, the fatty acid alkyl esters. Therefore, information on the properties of individual components and their interaction is essential to understanding and predicting the properties of biodiesel fuels. Viscosity, which affects flow and combustion of a fuel, is such a property. In previous literature, the effect of the structure of fatty esters on viscosity was discussed. However, these data are largely confined to esters with an even number of carbon atoms in the chain and that are liquid at 40 °C. To gain a better understanding of kinematic viscosity, this work additionally reports data on esters with an odd number of carbons in the fatty acid chain and some unsaturated fatty esters. Furthermore, the kinematic viscosity of some biodiesel fuels is affected by components that are solids at 40 °C. A method based on polynomial regression for determining the calculated viscosity contribution (CVC) of esters that are solid at 40 °C (saturated esters in the C₂₀–C₂₄ range) or esters that are liquids but not available in pure form is presented as these values are essential for predicting the kinematic viscosity of mixtures containing such esters. The kinematic viscosity data of esters are compared to those of aliphatic hydrocarbons in the C₆–C₁₈ range and those of dimethyl diesters. The increase of kinematic viscosity with increasing number of CH₂ groups in the chain is non-linear and depends on the terminal functional groups, chain length and double bonds. To illustrate this effect, carbon–oxygen equivalents (COE) are used in which the numbers of carbon and oxygen atoms are added. A straightforward equation, taking into account only the amounts and kinematic viscosity values of the individual neat components, suffices to predict the viscosity of mixtures of fatty esters (biodiesel) at a given temperature.     

利用可再生油料资源发展生物炼油化工厂

石油、天然气、煤炭资源终将枯竭,利用可再生资源生产燃料和化工产品正在兴起.利用植物油与甲醇酯交换,可以制备脂肪酸甲酯.脂肪酸甲酯是一种优质清洁燃料,即生物柴油;同时,脂肪酸甲酯及其联产的甘油进一步精制和深加工可以生产许多化工产品.本文从生物柴油的国内外发展概况出发,结合国内的现状,对我国发展生物柴油的影响因素进行了分析,认为原料油的价格和供应量是关键;同样,也对生产化工产品作了相应的探讨,认为这是增加利润的关键.最后形成利用可再生油料资源发展炼油化工厂的设想.