Comparative Analysis of Calcium Sources for Enhancing Protection in Coconut Fatty Acid Distillate Ca-soap Production using FTIR

Coconut fatty acid distillate (CFAD) is a by-product of the coconut oil process which rich medium-chain fatty acid and can be utilized in dairy ration as a protected form. Calcium soap (Ca-soap) is a protected fat method that is affordable to apply in dairy farms. This study compared the quality of Ca-soap with different calcium sources using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. There were two Ca-soap of CFAD using CaO by modified fusion method and CaCl2 by double decomposition process. Comparative analysis was conducted in FTIR spectra and transmittance peaks of CFAD, CaO-CFAD, and CaCl2-CFAD. The results showed transmittance peak of carboxylic acids and water functional molecules were different in CFAD compared to Ca-soap. There was no peak transmittance of O-H and H-O-H on CFAD. However, the presence peak on Ca-soap products showed water production of saponification reaction. As for carboxylic acid molecules, C=O decreased after the reaction to Ca-soap. The transmission value of C=O bond showed 47.10% and 89.34% in CFAD and CaO-CFAD respectively. However, there was no peak in CaCl2-CFAD. The no peak transmittance of carboxylic acids indicated higher Ca-soap conversion. In conclusion, the Ca-soap of CaCl2-CFAD was of higher quality than CaO-CFAD.