Thermal degradation of FA and catfish and menhaden oils at different refining steps

The thermal degradation (weight loss) of individual FA and of catfish and menhaden oils collected from different refining steps was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The heat resistance of FA was partially dependent on chain length and degree of unsaturation. The weight loss of catfish and menhaden oils increased with increased heating temperatures, regardless of the oil refining process. All oil samples (except crude catfish oil) were decomposed after the heating temperature reached 550degreesC. Based on the thermogravimetric curves, the following thermal stability sequence at different refining steps for both catfish and menhaden oils was proposed: crude > degummed > neutralized > bleached > deodorized oils.