Production of Branched Esters via Continuous Alkylation of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters over Montmorillonite and h-zsm5 Catalysts

Abstract

Lignocellulosic and waste from the food industry offers a sustainable way to produce alternative transportation fuel and provide fiber and biomaterial. Thermochemical processes can depolymerize lignin into its phenolic monomers which can be upgraded to aromatic hydrocarbons. Fatty acids from food wastes have functional groups to accommodate selective synthesis of chemicals. These characteristics could be utilized as sustainable high-value additive products for fuels and lubricating oils. In the present study, an effective lubricity additive was synthesized via continuous alkylation of fatty acid methyl esters with aromatic hydrocarbons. A continuous fixed-bed reactor operated at atmospheric pressures was used. Acid-treated montmorillonite and H-ZSM5 were used as catalysts. The effects of the various catalysts on the liquid product composition were investigated while keeping other reaction conditions constant. An improved catalytic activity was achieved in montmorillonite catalyst compared to H-ZSM5 catalysts. The alkylation of fatty acid methyl esters with aromatic hydrocarbons over montmorillonite and alumina-supported Ni catalysts occurred at 200-210 °C.