Essential oil composition of Kaffir lime: Comparative analysis between controlled steam distillation and hydrodistillation extraction process

Abstract

A controlled steam distillation process was performed to extract essential oil of Kaffir lime. Water temperature in the process was controlled by ON/OFF controller. System performance was quantified based on oil production rate and assessment on the compositions in Kaffir lime leaves and peels respectively. The Kaffir lime essential oil compounds were identified by retention time and percentage area by Gas Chromatography — Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS). Results showed the essential oil percentage yield given by modified steam distillation was 1.34% (peels) and 0.43% (leaves) whereas for hydrodistillation yielded 0.16% (peels) and 0.18% (leaves). Based on compositions, oil extracted by controlled steam distillation gain higher percentage of limonene (27.97%) and α/β-pinene (9.82%) compared to hydrodistillation.