Optimized Conversion of Nyamplung Seeds Oil to Biodiesel Using Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Abstract

This research is carried out for optimization of transesterification reaction parameters to convert oil from Nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum) seeds into biodiesel. Calophyllum inophyllum seeds were normally left unused due to the toxicity of calophynic acid in the unrefined extracted oil. The optimal variables (parameters) for converting Calophyllum inophyllum seeds oil into biodiesel were found to be at a methanol: oil ratio (6 to 1), 67.5 °C temperature, 1 wt% catalyst and agitation rate of 750 (rpm). The biodiesel yield obtained (93.01 wt%). The results also indicated that Calophyllum inophyllum methyl esters (CIME) fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity 4.55 mm2/s acid value 0.027 mg KOH/g, cloud point 3 °C, pour point 1 °C, flash Point 161 °C, cetane index 49 min and density of 856 kg/m3 conformed with the international standard specifications except for the oxidation stability, which was at 4.38 hour. In addition, ANOVA of the developed model displayed presentation (R2 0.99). Calophyllum inophyllum seeds oil could be a suitable non-edible feedstock for biodiesel, especially in the South East Asian region.