Study of Biolubricant Synthesis from Crude Palm oil by using Indonesian Natural Zeolite-based Catalysts

Abstract

Palm oil is considered as the most promising renewable resources for the production of biolubricants due to their high availability non-toxic, biodegradable and metal adhering properties. The aim of this research is to perform synthesis of biolubricants from palm kernel oil. The synthesis was performed by esterification/transesterification (two routes) methods utilizing NH4-Y synthetic and Bayah natural zeolites. Application of the synthetic zeolite has a role model for determine the synthesis parameter of biolubricant such as temperatures and routes of synthesis from palm kernel oil. Characterization of catalyst and biolubricant product by FT-IR and GC-MS reveals formation of functional group of ester and its related compunds such as such as octadecanoic acid, 2 hydroxyl ester and 2-hexadecanoid acid, methyl ester respectively at 150 oC