Study on the Reaction Parameters on Transesterification of Rubber Seed Oil Using MgO/zeolite-A Catalyst

Abstract

In this research, transesterification of rubber seed oil (RSO) with methanol in the presence of MgO/zeolite-A composites with different MgO loads as catalysts was investigated. In addition, the effect of different reaction parameters including oil to methanol ratio, the amount of catalyst, and transesterification time were also investigated. Zeolite-A was prepared from rice husk silica (RHS) and food-grade aluminum foil and confirmed using XRD and SEM/EDS techniques. The MgO/zeolite-A composites with different MgO loads were prepared by impregnating the zeolite with Mg (NO3)2 solution of different concentrations. The composites were then characterized using XRF, XRD, and SEM, and finally applied as a catalyst in transesterification of RSO at varied experimental conditions. The XRF results indicated that the zeolite has been successfully impregnated, and the content of MgO varied depending on the concentration of magnesium nitrate solution used for impregnation process. Zeolite-A and also MgO/zeolite-A composites were confirmed by XRD investigations, supported by SEM analysis with indicated the shape of cubic particle, a characteristic feature of zeolite-A, and rod like structure which is most likely the MgO particle. The results of transesterification experiments revealed the appreciable activities of the composites and the effect of reaction parameters on the conversion of the RSO, with the highest conversion of 89 % achieved using 12.5 % catalyst relative to the mass of RSO, with MgO 4.43 %/zeolite-A catalyst, oil to methanol ratio of 1:10, and a transesterification time of 6.0 h. Analysis of the transesterification products using GC-MS confirmed that fatty acids composing the RSO were converted into corresponding methyl esters. HIGHLIGHTS Zeolite A was prepared from rice husk silica and food grade aluminum foil MgO/Zeolite A composites with different MgO load were prepared using impregnation method MgO/Zeolite A composites were used as catalyst for transesterification of rubber seed oil GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT