Optimization of grafted fibrous polymer preparation procedure as a new solid basic catalyst for biodiesel fuel production from palm oil

Newly, radiation grafting polymer catalysts have been widely developed due to their excellence, cost-effectiveness, and high performance. In this research, glycidyl methacrylate monomers were grafted on polypropylene nonwoven polymer fabric by gamma-ray (simultaneous irradiation method). The grafted polymer was then modified using different amino groups and washed with NaOH salt for performing the transesterification process to produce biodiesel. Finally, the modified polymer catalyst was investigated for optimal biodiesel production using a statistical technique with a response surface methodology. Transesterification process parameters such as molar ratio of oil to ethanol, reaction time, and reaction temperature were tested for biodiesel synthesis. The catalyst structure was characterized with FT-IR, SEM, XRD, and TG techniques and illustrated having an efficient grafting percentage and efficient efficiency capability for biodiesel synthesis by batch experiments. The optimum conditions were obtained by a central composite design as follows: molar ratio of oil to ethanol = 1:200; reaction time = 180 min; reaction temperature = 66 degrees C. In this study, the optimal biodiesel yield was 91.6% and temperature was the most significant parameters affecting the biodiesel yield from RSM. Catalyst regeneration was performed using citric acid, sodium hydroxide salt, and ethanol after using the catalyst in the transesterification process and conversion of palm oil to biodiesel. The features such as inexpensive catalyst, easy to prepare, high performance, and resistance allow the radiated-induced grafted catalyst to constitute one of the promising materials for biodiesel production.