Preliminary studies on Improving the Properties of Canola Oil by Addition of Methyl Ester from a Saturated Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oils have excellent dielectric properties and high thermal characteristics (flash point and fire point). However, their general acceptability is questionable due to the poor viscosity profile at low temperatures and oxidation stability. Thus, enhancement of the oxidation stability and flow properties of canola oil-based dielectric liquid stands as the main goal of the present study. Methyl ester synthesized from palm kernel oil was mixed with a commercially available canola-based insulating liquid in 25%, 50%, and 75% concentrations. The behavior of all samples was monitored during accelerated thermal aging in the presence of oxygen for different periods. Specifically, observations were made for fresh samples under ambient temperature and 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours at $110^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$. Acidity, moisture, and dissolved decay particles were used as a factor for monitoring the rate of degradation. It was observed that the mixture with a high percentage of methyl ester (C and D) shows stability to oxidation. This experimental investigation shows that a mixture of oil with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids has promising thermo-oxidation stability properties.