Extraction And Characterirization Of Sunflower Crude Oil.

The oil samples used for this work were obtained from sunflower seeds. The seeds was prepared, dried, dehulled, conditioned and flaked. The oil was extracted by solvent extraction. The oil sample was investigated for their physico-chemical parameters which were specific gravity, refractive index, colour, flash, fire smoke, soft and turbidity points. There values were 0.923± 0.016, 1.475±0.002, 18.00 units,339.00±2.20C, 342±1.20C, 235.00±1.75C, 42.00±1.108.00±0.20, 42.00±1.10, respectively. Other were free fatty acid, acid value, saponification value, peroxide value iodine value and yield, the values were 1.40±0.007%, 3.09±0.24%,197.43±0.42mgKOH/goil,12.6±2.20Meq02/kg, 131.60±0.71WIJ, 41.3±2.12% respectively. The qualitative determination of the fatty acid composition was carried out by methylation and application of Gas chromatography. The percentage yield which was 41.3% makes it a good source of oil. The free fatty acid (1.40%), peroxide (12.6meg KOH goil/ ), confirm that the oil can be processed into edible vegetable oil. The high level of unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids) and low level of saturated fatty acids(Myristic, palmitic and stearic acids) makes the oil a liquid oil. Finally, the oil, if refined and consumed, it will be a good source of essential fatty acid needed in the body.