Characterization of Coconut Oil
Synonyms: Copra oil, Oleum
Cocois (Harry, 1963). Coconut oil is edible oil extracted from the kennel of
matured coconuts harvested from the coconuts palms (Cocos nucifera). It has
various applications in food, medicine, and industry. Because of its high
saturated fat content it is slow to oxide and, thus, resistant to
rancidification, lasting up to two years without spoiling. (Fife, 2005)
The following is average
fatty acid composition of Coconut oil – saturated acids: Caproic acid (0.2%),
Caprylic acid (8.0%), Capric acid (7.0%), lauric acid (48.0%), Mystric acid (17.5%) palmitic acid (8.8%) and
Stearic acid (2.0%) Unsaturated acids: Oleic acid (6.0%) and linoleic acid (2.5%).
Coconut oil occurs as white semi-solid, lard-lime fat readily becomes rancid on
exposure to air. It is sometimes hydrogenated to improve its stability. Coconut
oil melts at 210C to 250C, and has the following
characteristics: Saponification value (251 to 264), Iodine Value 8 to 10),
Refractive index at 400C (1,44-5), Acid value (not greater than 6)
(Harry, 1.63).
Coconut oil in Food
Coconut oil is commonly
used in cooking, especially for frying, and is a common flavour in many south
Asian curries. It has been used for cooking (in tropical parts of the world )
for thousand of years (clark, 2011) coconut oil (along with lauric leaf oil and
palm kernel oil) contains a large proportion of lauric acid which is converted
to monolaurin in the body,a fat otherwise found only in breast milk.(Beare-Roggers et.al,2001) Lauric acid is destroyed by some
oil processing method .
Other culinary uses
including solid fats produced through hydrogenation in backed and confectionery
good (Tarrago- Trani et.al, 2006) hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated
coconut oil is often used in non-dairy creamers and snack, food, including
popcorn. The smoke point of coconut oil is 1770C (3510F).
(Katragadda et.al, 2010)
Coconut oil industry
Coconut oil has tested for
use as feedstock for biodiesel to be used as a diesel engine fuel. In this
manner, it can be applied to power generators and transport using diesel
engines. Since straight coconut oil has
a high gelling temperature (22-25 0C), a high viscosity, and a
minimum combustion chamber temperature
of 500 0C (932 OF) (to avoid polymerization of the fuel),
coconut oil typically is transesterified to make biodiesel. Use of B 100 (100%
biodiesel) is possible only in temperate climates, as the gel point is
approximately 10 o C (50oF) . The oil must meet the Weihenstephan standard for pure vegetable oil used as a
fuel otherwise moderate to severe damage
from carbonization and clogging
will occur in an unmodified
engine. The Philippines, vanuata,
samoa, and several other tropical
island countries are
using coconut oil as an alternative
fuel source to run automobiles, trucks
and buses, and to
power generators. Coconut oil
is currently used as a fuel
for transport in the
Philippines further research
into the potential of coconut oil as a fuel
for electricity generation is being carried out in the islands of the
pacific. Although to date it appear that it is not useful as a fuel source due
to the cost of labour and supply constraints.(AGTD, 2011)
Coconut oil can be used as
an engine lubricant and as transformer oil. Acids derived from coconut can be
used as herbicides. (James and Rahman, 2005)
Coconut oil can be used as
a skin moisturizer, helping with dry skin and reduces protein loss when used in
hair. Before the advent of electrical lighting ,coconut oil was the primary oil
used for illumination in india and was
exported as cochin oil.(Brady,2020)
Coconut oil is an important
base ingredient for the manufacture of soap. Soap made with coconut oil tends
to be hard, although it retains more water than those made with other oils and
therefore increases manufacturer yields. It is more soluble in hard water and
salt water than other soaps allowing it to lather more easily. A basic coconut
oil soap is clear when melted and a bright white when hardened. (Browning,
2003)
Source:
Oduok, I. F. (2015): Industrial Characteristics of Palm
Oil-Coconut Oil Blend and Its Application in The Production of Toilet Soap.
B.Eng. Research Work. University of Uyo. Nigeria. Pp. 7 - 10