RSM based optimization of process parameters of biodiesel production from waste palm oil using modified nano-catalyst

Abstract This paper presents an investigation for biodiesel production from waste palm oil, utilizing a modified nano-catalyst. The study explores the influence of critical input parameters, including methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and catalyst concentration, on yield and viscosity of biodiesel. Employing a response surface methodology (RSM) based face-centred central composite design (FCCCD), twenty experiments were conducted, and the corresponding values for yield and viscosity were measured. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), response graphs, and 3D surface plots, development of quadratic models for prediction of the output responses. To achieve multi-response optimization, a desirability function approach was applied, leading to the determination of optimal input parameters. Following optimal conditions were identified: methanol to oil molar ratio at 12.17:1, reaction temperature at 114.81 °C, and catalyst concentration at 7.33 wt.%, resulting in a biodiesel yield of 92.90% and a viscosity of 4.34 mm²/s.