Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Palm Oil via Sodium Hydroxide-Catalyzed Transesterification in a Tubular Microreactor

Abstract

Biodiesel production can be improved using new microdevice technologies that increase reaction efficiency and yield. This study focused on biodiesel synthesis from palm oil through transesterification using a sodium hydroxide catalyst. A compact PTFE microreactor with a 1 mm diameter was used. The effect of methanol-to-oil ratio, temperature, and catalyst concentration was explored to determine the optimal conditions for producing fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The highest FAME yield reached 90.30% with a short residence time of 10.85 minutes. The final product had a density of 0.848 to 0.909 g/ml and a viscosity of 4.038 to 24.987 CSt, showing the method’s effectiveness