This work studied the preparation, characterization and evaluation of a Brazilian natural clay-based catalyst in the esterification of fatty acids aiming the biodiesel production. The natural clay was acid-activated as received, without any previous treatment. The best results were obtained in a 1:3 carboxylic acid/alcohol molar ratio at 100� C and atmospheric pressure after 4 h. The reactions were performed without cosolvent and presented good repeatability. The conversion of 98.9%, 97.6%, 92.5%, 79.7% and 88.5% was reached for methyl caprylate, methyl laurate, methyl stearate, methyl oleate and methyl esters from an industrial fatty acid residue, respectively. The acid-activated clay provided better performance than commercial clay K10 in all reactions. The reuse was carried out three times without significant reduction in conversion to methyl stearate. The natural clay and the catalyst were characterized by XRD, XRF, thermodesorption of n-butylamine, N2 adsorption analysis, TGA and DTA.

Biodiesel production from fatty acids esterification using Brazilian clay-based catalyst

245th National Meeting (2013)

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