Modifying The Drying Property Of Rubber-Seed Oil

Abstract

Rubber-seed oil, a semi drying oil, was modified by boiling and blowing process in the presence of a drier to enhance its drying property. The oil boiling and blowing process was carried out with variation in temperature, time and type of drier used. The levels of unsaturation of the oil in the natural and modified states were determined by the iodine value using Wij's method. The effects of temperature, time and type of drier used on iodine value and viscosity of the modified oil were examined. It was found that low iodine value and high viscosity of the boiled and blown oil enhanced the drying property of the oil and these two parameters were used to select oil samples for putty making. Putty was prepared using the selected oil samples and whiting. The best operating conditions (local optimum) for the oil modification process, which gave the best putty, were determined by testing the quality of the putty in terms of adhesion, cohesion, drying time and colour. The local optimum conditions for the oil modification process were found to be boiling and blowing with lead grains either at 150oC for 3 hours or at 200oC for 2 hours. KEY WORDS: Rubber-seed oil, boiling, blowing, drying property, putty. Global Journal of Engineering Research Vol.3(1&2) 2004: 17-20