DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v25i4.123

Keywords: Transesterification; biodiesel; Soxhlet Extraction; metal oxide catalyst; coconut pulp

Abstract

Organic biomasses represent an eco-friendly energy source, while solving problems cause by improper waste disposal. In this research, calcium oxide-based catalysts, namely CaO/Fe2O3/ Al2O3 and Paphia undulatus, were used to convert coconut pulp waste into biodiesel. 50% of oil was extracted from 10 g of waste coconut pulp at 60℃ in 4 hours using Soxhlet extraction method. Biodiesel was produced from waste coconut pulp through transesterification reaction at a temperature of 55℃ in 2 hr, utilizing calcium oxide-based catalysts. GC-FID results showed the presence of four methyl ester species in the product and this finding revealed that free fatty acids had been successfully converted to methyl esters.