Glycerolysis-Interesterification of Palm Olein and Coconut Oil Blend using Two High-Shear Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize structured lipids containing high mono- and diacylglycerol by glycerolysisinteresterification of palm olein and coconut oil blend in two high-shear continuous stirred tank reactors in series. The result showed that various flow rates of 11 mL/min to 23 mL/min did not significantly increase mono- and diacylglycerol concentration, while at a flow rate of 26 mL/min only a low concentration of mono- and diacylglycerol was formed. However, a flow rate 20 mL/min and an agitating speed of 2000 rpm produced mono- and diacylglycerol concentration of 61.7% with the highest productivity of 2.1%/min and a triacylglycerol conversion of 64.6%. The slip melting point, melting point, hardness, emulsion capacity, and stability were 23.77 oC, 30 oC, 14.6 N, 65.15%, and 59.15%, respectively. The product’s solid fat content at 25 oC was lower than cocoa butter. The product contained β’ and β crystals, thus it can be applied as a cocoa butter substitute.