DETERMINING A MECHANISM FOR BLEACHING FLUID-EXTRACT HYDROXYCITRIC ACID WITH ACTIVATED CARBON AND REUSING ACTIVATED CARBON

Abstract

Research results have identified the optimal conditions of the process for bleaching the hydroxycitric acid fluid-extract (HCA -a fluid-extract obtained by braising the dried rind of the Garcinia Cambogiafruit with water). The bleaching stage of the 1-HCA fluid-extract obtained high efficiency after pectin had been extracted from the 1-HCA fluid-extract. The process of bleaching required an even mixture of activated carbon with an amount of 8% ÷ 12% of the fluid-extract (equivalent to 24% ÷ 36% of the initial raw material); with the bleaching temperature maintained at 70^oC, the mixture stirred in 10 minutes and left in the same state for 20 minutes, filtration was done to obtain a 2-HCA fluid-extract. The 2-HCA fluid-extract, which is very transparent and almost colourless, is used to create slimming products. After the bleaching stage, the activated carbon was reclaimed and thermally regenerated. The post-regeneration activated carbon has its I₂ adsorption index of 253 mg/g ÷ 275 mg/g, achieving about 80% ÷ 87% I₂ of the adsorption index of activated carbon purchased in the market