Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Detoxification of Crude Rubber Oil Seeds Using Ultrasonic Waves and Neutralization

Abstract

Rubber seeds contain high levels of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) and oils. Rubber seed oil contains a large number of free fatty acids. The uses of rubber seeds and oils could be more extensive if the HCN and free fatty acid content could be reduced. The HCN content can be reduced with ultrasonic waves with certain process conditions. while the high fatty acid content can be reduced by conducting several neutralization processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal temperature and duration of these detoxification processes based on HCN content in distilled water. as well as the number of neutralization processes that must be carried out. This study consisted of 2 stages; 1) reducing the HCN levels of rubber seeds with ultrasonication varying temperature (30 C. 40 C. 50 C) and duration (20 minutes. 40 minutes. 60 minute); 2) reducing the levels of seed oil free fatty acids by neutralization processes conducted 1 or 2 times. The results showed that the best process conditions for detoxifying HCN rubber seeds was ultrasonication at 50 C for 60 minutes followed by 2 neutralization cycles.