Pengaruh Konsentrasi Katalis Methyl Ester Sulfonic Acid Terhadap Sifat Fisikokimia Gliserol Ester Oleat yang Dihasilkan

Abstract

Glycerol is a by-product from palm olein biodiesel industry which could be value-added to obtain various products. One of the alternatives is to modify glycerol become glycerol ester oleat. Before processing, glycerol was first refined using 5% (v/v) phosphoric acid 85%. The refinery showed that glycerol content was increased from 49% to 80%. Glycerol was then esterified with oleic acid and catalyst methyl ester sulfonic acid (MESA) to obtain glycerol ester. Esterification was conducted at 240°C and nitrogen atmosphere using 200 rpm of mixing for 90 minutes. The best catalyst concentration used in esterification process is at 0,5% and resulting glycerol ester oleat with acid number 48,07 mg KOH/g sample, density of 0,9124 g/cm3, viscosity 68,32 cP (25°C), kinematic viscosity 36 cSt (40°C), flash point 230°C and pour point -15°C.