Optimization of Zeolite-X Catalysed Palm Oil Transesterification Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

In this study, response surface methodology was applied to optimize the transesterification of palm oil using zeolite-X prepared from rice husk silica and aluminum foil as a catalyst. For this purpose, response surface methodology (RSM) with a 3-level-3 factor central composite design was applied to investigate the effect of three experimental factors on the percentage of conversion of the oil into methyl esters. A quadratic model was derived from the RSM with the aid of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Design Expert 6.0.8 software to predict oil conversion and reveals that the mathematical model is Y = 53.38 + 14.4X1 + 15.2053 X2 + 2.3 X3, suggesting that the most influencing factor for transesterification of palm oil is the ratio of oil to methanol.