Activation of Saricakaya (Eskisehir) benthonitic clays and investigation of their performance on bleaching of sunflower oils

In this study, Saricakaya (Eskisehir) benthonitic clays have been activated and their performance on bleaching of sunflower oils has been examined. After the clay samples were purified from their moisture content, they were milled and transformed into grains of size ? 125 µm. Then, for the process of activation, bentonite samples were mixed with H2SO4 solutions prepared in acid concentrations of 1N, 3N and 10N so as to make a solid suspension of 10%. The suspension obtained was mixed in a magnetic stirrer for one hour under room temperature and thus active bentonite samples were obtained. During bleaching tests, different bleaching temperatures (85oC and 110oC), bleaching times (15, 30 and 45 min.), bleaching soil doses (0.5%; 1.0% and 1.5%) and acid concentrations were used as variable. In addition, bleaching performance of bentonite samples were compared to Tonsil 210 FF which is a commercial bleaching soil. As a result of the experimental studies, it has been determined that the best result comes from the bleaching test carried out for a bleaching time of 30 min. and under a bleaching temperature of 85oC using a bleaching soil dose of 1.0% activated in an acid concentration of 3N H2SO4.Key Words: Bentonite Clays, Bleaching, Activation, Moisture, Concentration, grain Size, Milling, Sunflower Oil, Saricakaya (Eskisehir), Solid Suspension, Optimum Condition