Experimental analysis of biodiesel synthesis from palm kernel oil: empirical model and surface response variables

Abstract

This work studied the transesterification reaction of palm kernel oil to produce Biodiesel FAME, using as catalyst KOH incorporated as a potassium methoxide intermediate. The catalytic tests were performed modifying representative variables such as reaction temperature (°C), methanol/oil molar ratio, and catalyst content (%KOH). The experimental data were adjusted to a linear empirical model, finding that the best experimental condition was observed at 50 °C with a methanol/oil ratio of 5.5 and a% KOH of 0.8. Finally, the FAME was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and ASTM quality control techniques for analysis of cold properties, transport properties, and combustion properties. The reaction rate was determined and a reaction mechanism was proposed based on the experimental results.