Esterification and transesterification of inedible olive oil for biodiesel production

In the present study a two-step acid-catalyzed esterification and alkaline-catalyzed transesterification process using microwave heating method was compared with conventional heating method. Free fatty acid was reduced to less than 2.0% in the first step. Comparing microwave alkaline-catalyzed transesterification results with those of the conventional heating method showed that microwave can significantly increase methyl ester yield and purity, and simultaneously decrease reaction time.

Keywords:

Esterification , Transesterification , Olive oil , Biodiesel