Optical Behavior of Natural Oils and Fats of Plant Origin

Abstract

The paper describes and discusses the results of the observations made on the optical textures exhibited by sixteen naturally occurring oils and fats of plant origin. The textures observed here consist of spherulites, drops, batonnets and maltese crosses which are characteristic of liquid crystals. The refractive indices and the average isotropic polarizabilities of these substances are also discussed. Often it is found that the mesomorphic nature is more pronounced with oils and fats with a high component of saturated triglycerides and with high molecular weights. The paper is illustrated by numerous striking photographs.

Key Words:

• optical behaviour
• mesomorphism
• fats
• oils