Open AccessResponse surface methodology for optimization of bio‐lubricant basestock synthesis from high free fatty acids castor oil
Author(s) -
Borugadda Venu Babu,
Goud Vaibhav V.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
energy science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.638
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2050-0505
DOI - 10.1002/ese3.77
Subject(s) - castor oil , response surface methodology , epoxide , lubricant , central composite design , iodine value , fatty acid , catalysis , chemistry , chemical engineering , materials science , organic chemistry , chromatography , engineering
In this paper, an eco‐friendly single‐step process for the synthesis of biolubricant basestock from high free fatty acid (FFA) castor oil (CO) via epoxidation reaction was investigated. Influence of various process parameters on the structural modification of CO and their interaction with the maximum oxirane oxygen content (OOC) was optimized. Central composite design (CCD) as one of the tools in response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of process variables on maximum OOC. Iodine value (IV) and OOC was used to monitor the progress of epoxidation. From the RSM study, the optimal condition inferred was H 2 O 2 , 1.65 mol; catalyst loading, 15.14 wt%; temperature, 52.81°C; and reaction time, 2.81 h. At this optimum condition, OOC was found to be 3.85 mass%. Further, the epoxide product was confirmed by 1 H, 13 C NMR spectral technique and OOC was determined by the standard HBr method. Finally, the significant physico‐chemical properties for the prepared epoxide were determined and compared with the castor oil.