Determination of solid fat index of fats and oils using the anton paar density meter

The Anton Paar Density Meter was investigated for its potential use in the determination of Solid Fat Index (SFI) of fats and oils. By deriving equations for the behavior of instrument constants as a function of temperature, the specific volume of a fat could be determined as it underwent heating at a controlled rate of 2 C/min. The specific volume data obtained as a function of temperature could be converted into SFI data by minor modifications to the AOCS dilatometry equations, and hence provide a smooth SFI curve for fats and oils. The method was capable of providing more detailed dilation data in a shorter period of time and the SFI values determined related well to the conventional dilatometric technique.