Physico-chemical Characterization of Kernel Oil from Five (05) Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis) Clones Cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire

Okoma D. Muriel J.^1, , Niamketchi G. Léonce¹, Sylla Ardjouma², Konan Brou Roger² and Konan K. Jean-Louis¹

¹National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

²Laboratory of Food Biochemistry and Tropical Product Technology, Nangui Abrogoua University, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire

Cite this paper:
Okoma D. Muriel J., Niamketchi G. Léonce, Sylla Ardjouma, Konan Brou Roger and Konan K. Jean-Louis. Physico-chemical Characterization of Kernel Oil from Five (05) Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis) Clones Cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire. World Journal of Analytical Chemistry. 2025; 10(2):58-63. doi: 10.12691/wjac-10-2-3

Abstract

This study assessed the physicochemical properties of oils extracted from the kernels of five Hevea brasiliensis clones grown in Côte d’Ivoire: GT1, PB217, IRCA41, IRCA230, and IRCA331. Oil yields ranged from 38.5% (GT1) to 47.2% (IRCA230), showing significant interclonal variability. Densities varied from 0.908 to 0.921 g/cm³, and dynamic viscosities from 45 to 58 mPa·s at 25°C. The acid (1.4–3.1 mg KOH/g), peroxide (2.1–3.8 meq O₂/kg), and saponification indices (183–198 mg KOH/g) indicated good oxidative stability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed three groups of clones: (i) GT1, PB217, and IRCA331, with dense and stable oils suitable for soap and cosmetic production; (ii) IRCA41, with more fluid oil suited for technical applications; and (iii) IRCA230, with unsaturated, high-yield oil ideal for biodiesel production. Unlike previous studies that focused mainly on Nigerian and other West African clones, this work provides the first comparative dataset for Ivorian GT1, PB217, IRCA41, IRCA230, and IRCA331 under local agro-ecological conditions. By identifying clone-specific profiles linked to different industrial uses, these results offer concrete opportunities for import substitution in oleochemical raw materials and additional income for smallholder rubber farmers. Overall, rubber seed represents a strategic oleaginous resource for local valorization and the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in Côte d’Ivoire.

Keywords:
Hevea brasiliensis vegetable oil physicochemical properties biodiesel Côte d’Ivoire

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