Synthesis, Properties,\nand Techno-economic Analysis\nof Highly Stable Biotransformer Oil Derived from Transesterification\nof Palm Oil Methyl Esters and Ditrimethylolpropane

Currently, biotransformer oil (BTO) is in high demand\ndue to the\nincreasing level of electrical power consumption and environmental\npolicy. Hence, this research aimed to prepare a highly stable BTO\nvia basic transesterification of palm oil methyl ester (POME) and\nditrimethylolpropane (Di-TMP) catalyzed by sodium methoxide (NaOCH<sub>3</sub>). Under the optimal conditions (POME/Di-TMP molar ratio =\n5.0/1.0, NaOCH<sub>3</sub> loading = 8 mol % based on the Di-TMP content\nunder 3.5 mbar, and 300 rpm at 160 °C for 2 h), the POME conversion\nlevel and POME-Di-TMPTTE selectivity reached 90.3% and 96.6%, respectively.\nThe obtained BTO with a high POME-Di-TMPTTE portion exhibited greater\noxidation stability with a higher flash point and breakdown voltage\nin accordance with the IEC 62770 specification. A techno-economic\nanalysis revealed the possibility of POME-Di-TMPTTE as a commercial\nBTO for its competitive cost and profit based on the current commercial\nprice of BTO.