Methanolysis of avocado peel oil using heterogeneous catalyst enhanced by microwave heating and parametric optimization

Abstract

ABSTRACT The focus of the present research was on producing fatty acid-methyl ester from Avocado Peel Oil (APO) using cement clinker as a catalyst at different reaction conditions. The APO used in this study of characterized by their physicochemical properties. Hence, the avocado peel was used in this study for the manufacture of fatty acid-based methyl ester as a substitute for diesel oil. To make methyl esters from fatty acids, APO was heated in a microwave and then transesterified with a cement clinker catalyst. Using the response surface method (RSM), the best yield of fatty acid-methyl ester was calculated. The model equation predicted an ideal yield value of 84.5% at 72.6 min, a concentration of catalyst 4.4% w/w, and methanol to oil mole ratio of 12.7:1. The experimentally obtained methyl ester yield of 82.45% at optimum process variables coincided with the model equations predicted. The optimum conversion of methyl ester determined by the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum was 98.36%. As a result, the physicochemical properties evaluated at optimum value were within the international standard limits.