NaOH/Bentonite was investigated as a solid alkaline catalyst for transesterification of triglycerides. The catalyst characterization was done by XRD, FTIR and TGA analysis. The catalyst performance was tested using reactive separation system. The reaction and separation of unreacted alcohol occurred in the system. All experimental investigations were carried out at 62 °C with a flow rate of 3ml/min. The alcohol to oil ratio selected for this separation system was 12:1 as this is the optimum ratio to be used in the system to get the maximum product and to regenerate the catalyst simultaneously in the system. The results indicated that the catalyst showed high activity and the maximum methyl ester purity reached up to 97 wt. % after the third cycle of the process.

Effects of bentonite based catalyst on conversion of rapeseed oil to methyl esters via reactive separation

255th National Meeting (2018)

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