OKTAR, Nuray Gazi Üniversitesi - Mühendislik Fakültesi - Kimya Mühendisliği Bölümü, Turkey , ÖZBAY, Nalan Gazi Üniversitesi - Mühendislik Fakültesi - Kimya Mühendisliği Bölümü, Turkey , AYDIN, Ferdi Gazi Üniversitesi - Mühendislik Fakültesi - Kimya Mühendisliği Bölümü, Turkey , TAPAN, Alper Gazi Üniversitesi - Mühendislik Fakültesi - Kimya Mühendisliği Bölümü, Turkey

TRANSESTERIFICATION REACTION OVER BASIC AMBERLYST RESIN CATALYSTS AND OPTIMIZATION VIA RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

16555

In this study, transesterification activity of sunflower oil with methanol was tested over Amberlyst A- 21 (A-21) and Amberlyst A-26 (A-26) type ion exchange resins which have high Hammett basic strength. Transesterification reactions were carried out in a three necked batch reactor at operating temperatures of 40 to 55°C, methanol-oil initial molar ratio of 3:1 to 6:1 and 1% to 5% (of oil) weight percentages of catalysts. A-26 catalyst was determined to be more active than A-21, with a % 91 conversion at 50°C and 6:1 methanol-oil initial molar ratio. % 88 conversion was achieved with the same reaction conditions over A-21 catalyst. Experiments were designed by using Box-Wilson experimental design method. Experimental results were analyzed by using “Design Expert 8.0.6.1” program. Mass transfer limitations was not significant. An increase in temperature and initial molar ratio of reactants caused an increase in biodiesel conversion. Hammett basic strength of these two catalysts were found as H_ 9.8. Swelling behaviour of the polymeric structured catalysts was measured %100 at all reaction temperatures.

71

Biodiesel , transesterification , Amberlyst A , 21 , Amberlyst A , 26

Journal Of The Faculty Of Engineering an‎d Architecture Of Gazi University

79