Abstract

FERNANDES, F. A. N. et al. Ultrasound assisted transesterification of corn oil with ethanol. Lat. Am. appl. res. [online]. 2012, vol.42, n.2, pp.193-196. ISSN 0327-0793.

This paper evaluates the production of fatty acids ethyl esters from corn oil and ethanol. The reaction was carried out applying low-frequency high-intensity ultrasound (25 kHz) under atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the influence of alcohol to oil molar ratio and catalyst concentration (sodium hydroxide) on the yield of corn oil into ethyl esters. Analysis of the operating conditions by RSM showed that the most important operating condition affecting the reaction was the ethanol to oil molar ratio. Results showed low yield of corn oil into ethyl esters. The highest yield observed was of 62.9% after 30 minutes of reaction. The best operating condition was obtained applying an alcohol to oil molar ratio of 4.5 and a catalyst to oil molar ratio of 0.010.

Keywords : Biodiesel; Ethyl Esters; Ultrasound; Corn Oil; Transesterification; Ethanolysis.