A. Background of the Study:
Degreasing, as an essential part of the modern production process, particularly in industries fabricating or assembling metal parts, such as aircraft, appliances, automotive, electronics, and railroad, is widely used to remove oils and oil-borne soils, such as chips, metal fines, and fluxes, from objects that have been stamped, machined, welded, soldered, molded, die-cast, etc.
Tiny transistor parts, printed-circuit assemblies, precision surgical equipment, diesel motors, aircraft components, automotive parts, and spacecraft assemblies can all be cleaned with modern degreasing techniques. In most cases cleaning with chlorinated solvents are effective than any other solvents but would only cause more pollutants to exist.
However, aluminum equipment is not recommended for use with chlorinated solvents, thus, it mean that there is a need for finding a suitable solvent for it.
Limonene, as a naturally occurring hydrocarbon - a cyclic monoterpene with the molecular formula C10H16, is commonly found in the rinds of citrus fruits such as grape fruit, lemon, lime, and in particular, oranges. Indeed, limonene constitutes 98% (by weight) of the essential oil obtained from orange peel. It is also present in the seeds of caraway and dill. The IUPAC name for limonene is 4- isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene.
Limonene is used as an insecticide, a food additive, and it is a good solvent. The non-polar nature of limonene means that it has an affinity for petroleum based greases and it has been used as an industrial cleaner for more than thirty years. One advantage is that limonene is not toxic and is replacing the use of solvents like methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), xylene (dimethylbenzene) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which the use of it has been banned. Limonene also has the advantage of being biodegradable and can rapidly break down into carbon dioxide and water. Another benefit of limonene is that it is obtained from a renewable resource. A by-product of the citrus juicing process is the oil found in the peel of the fruit. Limonene can be distilled from this oil for both technical and food based uses.
B. Objectives of the Study:
The main objective of this study is to produce a cleaning and degreasing solvent by using the technical grade d-limonene extracts from the steam distillation of citrus fruit rinds, and to determine if it is suitable for degreasing aluminum equipments.
The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
1. To be able to produce a degreasing and cleaning solvent from citrus fruits rinds extracts,
2. To be able determine if the produced degreasing and cleaning solvent is suitable for aluminum equipments.
C. Significance of the Study:
Through this study, the data about producing a cleaning and degreasing solvent from citrus fruits rinds could be used by common households who need this particular substance in their specific purposes. Although the scope was limited only for the purpose of using the to be produced substance for aluminum equipments, further researchers may want to apply the produced substance in other materials for cleaning and degreasing purposes. In addition, this study could be a basis for other students who are conducting would their research.
D. Scope and Limitations:
The purpose of this study is to produce a degreasing and cleaning solvent by using the technical grade d-limonene extracts from the steam distillation of citrus fruit rinds, and to determine if the to be produced degreasing and cleaning solvent is suitable for aluminum equipments. Specifically, it aims to produce a degreasing and cleaning solvent from citrus fruits rinds extracts, and if the produced degreasing and cleaning solvent is suitable for aluminum equipments.
The study is to be conducted at Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines.
This study is delimited to the use of rinds of citrus fruits, namely: dalandan (Citrus aurantium), orange (Citrus sinensis), and calamansi (Citrus microcarpa), as the raw materials for limonene extraction.
This study is delimited only to the use of ethanol (C2H6O),and KOH, NaOH as emulsifier for limonene.
This study is delimited only to the use of chloroform as an extractor for limonene from the distillate of the steam distillation of the citrus fruits.
This study is delimited only to the use of steam distillation for limonene extraction.
The produced product is delimited only for applications for aluminum equipments.
