Evaluation of dolomite as catalyst in the transesterification reaction using palm oil (RBD)

Abstract

In this study, the catalytic activity of dolomite was evaluated for the transesterification of Colombian RBD palm oil with methanol, carried out in a batch reactor at 333.15 K and 600 rpm. The activated dolomites (calcined at 1073.15 K for 2 hours) were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Hammett indicators method, and quantification of the surface area, average pore size and average pore volume BET. The influence of reaction variables such as catalyst amount (% wt/wt) and methanol/palm oil molar ratio (mole/mole) was investigated. Under the suitable reaction conditions, the amount of calcined dolomite equal to 4 % (wt/wt) based on the weight of oil, the methanol-oil molar ratio equal to 9:1, and the reaction time = 1h, the methyl ester content of 82.67 % of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) can be achieved.