Improving Palm Oil Methylester Using Catalytic Cracking Methods

Biodiesel is a prospective substitute for diesel fuel that has garnered attention in recent years due to its environmentally conscious properties. However, biodiesel still exhibits several drawbacks in its features, namely in terms of its high viscosity, density, and flashpoint values. These factors can significantly impact the operation of the fuel motor engine, preventing it from operating at its ideal level. Consequently, biodiesel requires further processing to acquire properties that are appropriate for use in combustion engines, such as catalytic cracking with heterogeneous catalysts. The use of heterogeneous (solid) catalysts can effectively overcome this shortcoming. This study involved conducting experimental research on the effect of catalytic cracking on the characteristics of methyl-ester oil using a natural zeolite. The methyl ester was mixed with 5%mass of zeolite and heated for durations of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes. Heterogeneous catalysts offer several benefits, such as facilitating the separation of biodiesel products, as well as the ability to regenerate and reuse the catalyst. To enhance the cost-effectiveness of biodiesel manufacturing. This study observed alterations in both the chemical composition and physical properties, as demonstrated by FTIR analysis and fuel physical properties tests. The content is primarily composed of double-chain (C=O) and single-chain (OH, C-CH3, CH2, CH3, C-O, C-CL, and C-Br) functional groups detected at absorption wavelengths ranging from 586.17 to 3006.45 cm-1. The viscosity, density, flashpoint, and calorific value of the methyl-ester with 5% zeolite combination dropped as the heating time increased. This is due to the elongation and subsequent dissociation of the hydrocarbon chains comprising the methyl-ester, which previously exhibited attractive forces. As a result, the intermolecular forces diminish, leading to a drop in the value of physical qualities.