Extraction using organic solvent (Soxhlet) gave a 36.12% yield. Extraction using subcritical propane at 10 7 Pa and 40 °C for 1.5 h gave a better yield (28.39%) than pressurized ethanol (8.05%) under similar conditions. Linseed oil extraction using subcritical propane was economically viable, resulting in a 124.58 US$/L product cost.
How is linseed oil extracted?
This work aims at characterizing linseed oil obtained using different extraction methods (hexane, subcritical propane and pressurized ethanol), and comparing the results with commercial linseed oil extracted by cold mechanical press method.
What is linseed oil?
Key words: linseed oil, fatty acids, extraction yield, extraction methods, oil quality Linseed ( Linum usitatissimum) oil contains 40¨C50% ¦Á-linolenic (¦Ø-3) acid, which is rich in phytosterols and tocopherols.
Can subcritical propane extraction improve linseed oil quality?
The results present subcritical propane extraction as a promising alternative for obtaining linseed oil at mild temperature and pressure conditions, without losing quality and quantity of fatty acids such as ¦Ø-3, 6 and 9. Key words: linseed oil, fatty acids, extraction yield, extraction methods, oil quality