Effect of MgO to Fatty Acid Molar Ratio on the Production of Magnesium Salt of Fatty Acid from Palm Fatty Acid Distillates (PFAD) for Food Additives

Abstract

Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD), a by-product of CPO industry, contains approx. 82%-wt of free fatty acids, which can be utilized as raw material for Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids (Mg-PFAD). The objectives of the experiment were to produce Mg-PFAD salts through saponification-fusion reaction of PFAD at low temperature and ambient pressure and investigate the effect of MgO to fatty acid molar ratio on reaction conversion and yield. Next, washing Mg-PFAD salts with ethanol was able to facilitate the recovery of vitamin E (tocopherol and tocotrienol) from PFAD. Composition of Mg-PFAD were determined by AAS and GC analysis. Based on the data, yield of Mg-PFAD was increased by the increased of MgO to PFAD molar ratio. Mg-content of the product was within the standard according to FAO reference (4-5%-wt). Reaction was completed within 5-7 min after the addition of H2O (as catalyst).