Yield optimization of nonedible vegetable oil-based bio-lubricant using design of experiments

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a focused effort to reduce the harmful effects of synthetic and mineral-based lubricants by emphasizing the use of biodegradable-based lubricants. These lubricants play a crucial role in minimizing friction, ensuring smooth operation of machines, and reducing the likelihood of frequent failures. With petroleum-based reserves depleting worldwide, prices are rising, and environmental damage is increasing. However, biolubricants derived from nonedible vegetable oils offer environmental benefits as they are nontoxic, emit minimal greenhouse gases, and are biodegradable. In this study, biolubricants are synthesized from jatropha and jojoba oil using sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) as catalysts through the transesterification and epoxidation processes. The optimization of influencing parameters is achieved using Taguchi’s orthogonal array, a statistical methodology. By employing design of experiments (DOE), the number of experimental trials is minimized while providing comprehensive details on the impact of control factors such as molar ratio, catalyst concentrations, and temperature. The results obtained from DOE reveal that the best optimized yield for jatropha biolubricant with H2SO4 and HCl catalysts is achieved with a molar ratio of 0.5:1.5, a temperature of 70 °C, and a catalyst concentration of 1.2 ml. The experimental yield for jatropha biolubricant with H2SO4 and HCl catalysts was measured at 226 ml and 238 ml, respectively, while the model predicted yield was 221 ml and 231 ml, respectively. The experimental yield for jojoba biolubricant with H2SO4 and HCl catalysts was recorded at 232 ml and 248 ml respectively, whereas the model predicted yield was 226 ml and 245 ml, respectively. Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, it is evident that among the three control factors, the molar ratio significantly influences the yield of both jatropha and jojoba biolubricants, as indicated by a p-value of less than 5%. The percentage contribution of the molar ratio in jatropha biolubricant with H2SO4 and HCl catalysts is found to be 98.99% and 97.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the R2 value, which exceeds 90%, signifies a strong relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The deviation between the experimental and regression-predicted equations for the yield remains within 2.5% for all combinations of jatropha and jojoba biolubricants. In conclusion, the study successfully prepared biolubricants from jatropha and jojoba-based non-edible vegetable oils and determined the optimal conditions for their production.Graphical abstract