OPTIMIZATION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM Parinarium macrophylum SEED OIL USING POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE LOADED ON CALCIUM OXIDE CATALYST

Abstract

The present study was aimed at optimization of biodiesel production from Parinarium macrophylum seed oil by using potassium hydroxide loaded on calcium oxide and catalyst. The standard analytical methods of chemical analysis were use. A KOH/CaO catalyst was used as a solid base catalyst for biodiesel production via transesterification of P. macrophylum seed oil using the vessel. The catalytic activity of KOH/CaO is associated with the active phase (K₂O) and basic properties. The catalysts were characterized by using BET, and SEM. The highest methyl ester content of 80% was obtained at 25 wt% K loading on CaO, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7:1, 1.6 wt% of catalyst, and at a stirrer speed of 300 rpm. Some biodiesel properties were investigated in accordance with ASTM specifications. P. macrophylum oil can be a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. Since the oil is non-edible and it will not interfere with the food chain. Modified CaO with potassium hydroxide showed high catalytic activity in a vessel, which produced a methyl ester content (over 80 %) under the certain conditions such as reaction temperature, reaction time, loading, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of catalyst, and stirrer speed.