What Is RBDPKO (RBD Palm Kernel Oil)? Specifications, Process, and Uses
- RBDPKO (refined, bleached, deodorized palm kernel oil) is fully refined palm kernel oil with FFA maximum 0.1% and moisture and impurities maximum 0.1%.[1]
- It is a light yellow liquid at room temperature, with melting point 24–28 °C and iodine value maximum 19.[1]
- Its fatty acid composition is dominated by lauric acid 45.5–49.8%, followed by myristic acid 15.4–17.2% and palmitic acid 7.9–9.2%.[2]
- As a lauric oil, RBDPKO has a sharp melting profile and good oxidative stability.[3]
- It is used for margarine, specialty fats, filling cream, ice cream, coffee creamer, soap, and oleochemical feedstock.[1]
RBDPKO is fully refined palm kernel oil rich in lauric acid. It is hard at room temperature yet melts quickly in the mouth, making it important for confectionery fat, ice cream, and soap.
Contents
What Is RBDPKO?
RBDPKO or refined, bleached, deodorized palm kernel oil is palm kernel oil that has undergone full refining. This product is a light yellow liquid at room temperature and is bland and odourless.[1]
Unlike palm oil from fruit mesocarp, palm kernel oil comes from the kernel and has a very different fatty acid composition. RBDPKO is classified as a lauric oil because lauric acid dominates.[2]
Because of its sharp melting profile, RBDPKO is hard at room temperature but melts quickly at body temperature. This property is highly valued in specialty fats, ice cream, and soap.[3]
Fatty Acid Composition
RBDPKO fatty acid composition is dominated by medium-chain acids, especially lauric acid. No other fatty acid exceeds 10% besides the three main components, giving a very sharp melting profile. Product specifications set similar limits across producers.[3][4]
| Fatty acid | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Lauric (C12:0) | 45.5–49.8 |
| Myristic (C14:0) | 15.4–17.2 |
| Palmitic (C16:0) | 7.9–9.2 |
| Oleic (C18:1) | 13.7–16.9 |
| Stearic (C18:0) | 1.9–2.8 |
| Linoleic (C18:2) | 2.1–2.9 |
| Caprylic (C8:0) | 3.2–4.7 |
| Capric (C10:0) | 2.9–3.5 |
Product Specifications
RBDPKO quality is set based on free fatty acids, moisture and impurities, iodine value, melting point, color, and peroxide value. PORAM specifications list FFA maximum 0.1%, moisture and impurities maximum 0.1%, and iodine value maximum 19, with saponification value 230–260 mg KOH/g.[2][5]
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Free fatty acids (% as lauric acid) | Max. 0.1 |
| Moisture and impurities (%) | Max. 0.1 |
| Iodine value (Wijs, g I2/100 g) | Max. 19 |
| Melting point (°C) | 24–28 |
| Color (5.25-inch Lovibond cell) | Max. 1.5 red / 15 yellow |
| Peroxide value (meq O2/kg) | Max. 1 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | 230–260 |
Refining Process
RBDPKO is obtained by refining crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) through degumming, bleaching, and deodorization. This removes gum, phospholipids, pigments, free fatty acids, and compounds that cause odour and flavour.[1]
Refining can be physical or chemical. Physical refining removes free fatty acids by distillation during deodorization, while chemical refining neutralizes them with alkali before bleaching and deodorization.[3]
High lauric acid content gives palm kernel oil good oxidative stability, so the product stays fresh even after long storage.[1]
Uses
RBDPKO is used for margarine, specialty fats, filling cream, ice cream, filled milk, and coffee creamer. Its quick melt in the mouth makes it suitable for ice cream and confectionery fat.[1][3]
In non-food industry, RBDPKO is used for soap and detergents because high lauric acid content gives good lather and hardness. It is also used for fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and fatty acid esters.[1][3]
RBDPKO is also used as a liquid component in margarine and shortening, and for cream, condensed milk, and donut filling products that give soft texture and sweet taste.[3]
Summary
RBDPKO is fully refined palm kernel oil with FFA maximum 0.1%, iodine value maximum 19, and melting point 24–28 °C. It is dominated by lauric acid 45.5–49.8% with a sharp melting profile, and is used for margarine, specialty fats, ice cream, coffee creamer, soap, and oleochemical feedstock.
References
- White Paper. Palm Oil Production & Refining 2025 — RBDPKO specifications. https://nutioils.com/documents/white-paper-palm-oil-production-refining-2025.pdf
- Scribd. RBD Palm Kernel Oil Specifications (PORAM/SNI). https://id.scribd.com/document/589273517/28799-pdf
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). Properties and Utilization of Palm Kernel Oil. https://palmoilis.mpob.gov.my/publications/POD/pod35-pantzaris.pdf
- Mars Oleochemicals. RBD Palm Kernel Oil — specification and applications. https://www.marsoleo.com/rbd-palm-kernel-oil-pko-malaysia-mars-oleochemicals.html
- Parchem. Palm Kernel Oil, RBD — typical product specifications. https://parchem.com/chemical-supplier-distributor/palm-kernel-oil-rbd-000451