Physical Characteristics of Palm Fatty Acid Distillate

Abstract

Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) is a widely used product due to its low cost being a by-product of (edible) palm oil manufacturing process. In this paper, the physical properties of palm fatty acid distilled (PFAD) produced in Malaysia will be discussed. The major physical properties obtained during this study are; the specific gravity at 28C, moisture content, viscosity at 40C, colour at 28C, Pour point, Flash point and Oxidative stability values were 0.870.1g/ml, 0.630.1%, 96.350.1 cSt, 2R-20Y, 351C, 1351C and 1781C, respectively. A rather significant outcome is the great benefit of using PFAD for bio lubricant, which offers many positive characteristics, such us; it increases the viscosity, viscosity index, flash point and oxidative stability. Therefore PFAD has a good potential for biodiesel and bio lubricant industries.