Synthesis of biolubricant by transesterification of palm kernel oil with simulated fusel oil: Batch and continuous processes

Author(s)

Ceron, Annie A. ^[1] ; Vilas Boas, Renata N. ^[1] ; Biaggio, Francisco C. ^[1] ; de Castro, Heizir F. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Engn Sch Lorena, BR-12602810 Lorena, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY; v. 119, p. 166-172, DEC 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Simulated fusel oil containing a mixture of ethyl (11.2%), butyl (10.6%) and isoamyl alcohols (78.2%) was used to obtain lubricant esters from palm kernel oil by enzymatic route using lipase from Burkholderia cepacia immobilized on epoxy matrix silica-hydroxyethyl cellulose as a biocatalyst. Runs were performed under both batch and continuous mode to determine the influence of oil-to alcohol molar ratio on the ester concentrations using as a model isoamyl alcohol as acyl acceptor. The optimum oil to alcohol molar ratio was 1:4 and high isoamyl esters formation (99 wt%) was attained in 48 h (batch runs) and 8 h of space-time (continuous runs). Such conditions were used to perform the transesterification reactions from palm kernel oil with simulated fusel oil rendering similar results. The kinematic viscosities at 40 degrees C confirmed the high conversion by modifying the initial palm kernel oil viscosity from 30.13 mm(2)s(-1) to values ranging from 3 to 6 mm(2)s(-1). The viscosity index was 149.22 +/- 2.11 and the oxidative stability was 23.85 +/- 1.65 min. Also, the biocatalyst was found to be stable revealing half-life time (t(1)(/2)) of about 38 days. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/10636-8 - From the cell factory to the Biodiesel-Bioethanol integrated biorefinery: a systems approach applied to complex problems in micro and macroscales
• Grantee: Roberto de Campos Giordano
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants