PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OXIDATION STATE OF BRAZILIAN PALM OILS

Abstract

Free fatty acids (palmitic acid), peroxide value, iodine value, refractive index and TBA number were analysed in crude, caiaué and refined palm ails from different states of Brazil. The stability of crude and refined oils stored at room temperature (26°C) and refrigerator (5°C) were also studied. The data obtained in this study showed high refractive index values (1.4551 - 1.4680) and high free fatty acids (2.36 to 24.66 % o f palmi tic acid). The TBA numbers presented values between 1.486 and 6.935 x 10-⁵ Tetraetoxipropan sol. Low peroxide value were obtained in all samples (1.94 to 5.95 meq/kg). A significant increase in peroxide values in both refined ails was observed. There was also a similar increase in TBA number.