Solid-liquid equilibrium and kinematic viscosity of binary mixture of fatty acid alkyl esters

Abstract

The separation and recovery of fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE) is of great significance for various industries. Crystallization is a well-suited separation process for fatty acid mixtures which may be evolved by the understanding of solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE). The SLE and kinematic viscosity (v) at (T=298.15–318.15 K) and (P=0.1 mPa) for binary mixture of FAAE: methyl decanoate (1)+ethyl decanoate or methyl dodecanoate or methyl tetradecanoate (2) has been studied. The deviation in kinematic viscosity (Δv) data was derived using experimental v data. The measured SLE exhibit general single eutectic point like other organic mixtures. The SLE data fit well with universal quasi-chemical (UNIQUAC) equation. The v values were interrelated using different equations recommended by Heric-Brewer, Krishnan-Ladda, and Lulian et al. Theoretically estimated values using these empirical equations are in accordance with the experimental values with percentage standard deviation less than 0.35. The v were also analyzed by means of the McAllister equation. The Δv data were also fitted with the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. All three binary mixtures showed negative Δv values.