THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF STYRAX OFFICINALIS L. SEED OIL

摘要

In this study, the effects of the different environmental conditions on the physical and chemical properties of Styrax officinalis L. seed were investigated. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of Styrax officinalis L. seed crude oil obtained by using screw-press machine were measured with standard methods and compared with the other raw materials. As a result of this experimental study, the oil content of the Styrax officinalis L. seeds were found between 44.3 and 60.3%. When the fatty acid compositions of this crude oil were evaluated, the most dominant fatty acids were determined as oleic (45.50±L4608 wt%), and Iinoleic (37.74±L5560 wt.%) acids. The density (at 15°C), acid value, free fatty acid content, pH, saponification number, iodine value, cetane number, flash point, calorific value, and water content of Styrax officinalis L. seed crude oil were found to be at 939 kg/m3, 3 mg KOH/g, 1.5 wt. %, 200.89, 122.4 g iodine/lOOg, 45.92, 228°C, 38.652 MJ/kg and 554.50 ppm, respectively. It is concluded that Styrax officinalis L. seed crude oil can be evaluated as a new feedstock in order to produce an alternative fuel such as biodiesel.