Heterogeneously catalyzed palm biodiesel production in intensified fruit blender

Abstract This research investigated palm biodiesel production via solid base-catalyzed transesterification in an intensified kitchen fruit blender. Studied parameters included methanol to palm oil molar ratio, CaO catalyst loading, reaction temperature and reaction volume. Characteristics of CaO catalyst were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy techniques. An optimal condition was achieved with 15:1 of methanol to palm oil molar ratio, 5 wt.% of CaO dosage, 60oC of reaction temperature and 1,000 mL of reaction volume, obtaining the highest FAME production of 97.58% and yield efficiency of 1.56×10-3 g/J. Crystal structure of catalyst showed structural change after calcination while FT-IR illustrated alteration of various functional groups through reusability experiment demonstrating exceptional activity stability. Properties of biodiesel produced conformed to international standards. Use of CaO catalyst in biodiesel production provides positive effect on reuse, reduces wastewater from washing process, lowers production cost and is environmentally responsible.