Thermal Processes in Fats and Oils [Processos Térmicos em óleos e Gorduras]

During several millennia fats and oils (FOs) have been used in large scale for food purposes. However, human being did learn that, when in presence of light, water, oxygen and high temperatures, FOs undergo degradation processes that limit their use as food but that lead to different materials suitable to be used in formulations of non-edible products, like paints and coatings. In this article, physical and chemical processes for FOs transformation involving thermal energy in the presence of water, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are discussed, describing the mechanisms involved and the products formed.