Rapid method for determination of wax in sunflowerseed oils

Abstract

Abstract A rapid estimate of wax content in sunflower seed oil may be obtained by heating the oil to 130 C and subsequent cooling in ice for 10 to 15 min. Microcrystalline waxes are then formed. They are quantified by measuring increased turbidity with a sensitive turbidity meter. Calibration is made with thoroughly dewaxed oil to which known amounts of wax are added, and the turbidity increase is determined after 10 minutes at 0 C. The method has been compared with modified cold test, comprising visual inspection after 24 hours at 0 C and after 5 days at 20 C. The rapid tubidimetric method is superior to cold test in predicting the tendency of oils to precipitate small amounts of wax after long‐time storage.