Comparative study of Biodiesel Production from Ethanol and Babassu oil using Mechanical Agitation and Ultrasounds
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj09.610Abstract
Babassu oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the
seeds of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa), which grows in
most areas of South America. Brazil is the world's largest
exporter of ethanol; the advantages of this alcohol are concerned
to its renewable origin and low toxicity. In this work ethyl esters
of babassu oil were synthesized by alkaline catalysis in
homogeneous medium. The experimental design was used as a
tool for optimization of the transesterification reaction and also in
identifying key factors influencing the conversion into ethyl
esters. The transesterification reactions were performed using
two methods - the traditional mechanical agitation and agitation
promoted by ultrasound waves. The nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy was used to quantify the conversion of all reactions
of transesterification. According to the model obtained for
mechanical agitation, conversions above 99% are obtained when
the stoichiometric ratio is set at 6:1, with 1.0% KOH, under
stirring at 400 rpm, in 60 minutes. Alkaline transesterification
assisted by ultrasound waves produced the best results with
respect to time of reaction and phase separation of glycerin and
ethyl esters. The experimental model showed that conversions
above 99% can be obtained in 10 minutes after adjusting the
other independent variables.