KARAKTERISASI FISIKOKIMIA MINYAK INTI SAWIT SEBAGAI MINYAK RANTAI SEDANG

Abstract

Palm kernel oil (PKO) is an oil derived from processed palm kernel which contains medium chain fatty acids such as caprylic acid, capric acid, caproic acid, and lauric acid which can be used as raw materials for oleochemicals which have many benefits such as medium chain oils/medium chain triglycerides. This study aims to determine the physicochemical characterization of PKO as medium chain oil. The characterization carried out was free fatty acids, water content, iodide number, melting point, glycerides composition, and fatty acid composition. Free fatty acids PKO was 3.11%, water content was 0.4%, iodide number was 18.75 meq/100g, melting point was 24.20oC, glycerides composition was monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides respectively 0.17%, 53.96%, and 32.45%. The dominant fatty acid is lauric acid (47.83%). Based on this, PKO can be used to be a medium chain triglycerides like virgin coconut oil (VCO).