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Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Zenica , Zenica , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Faculty of Technology, University of Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Faculty of Technology, University of Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Zenica , Zenica , Bosnia and Herzegovina
The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the increasing environmental concerns regarding their production and combustion have led to an exponential rise in interest in biofuels [1], among which biodiesel has attracted attention due to its characteristics such as high biodegradability, non-toxicity, and low emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons [2,3]. Biodiesel produced from edible oils is currently more expensive than conventional petroleum fuels [4]. In light of this, significant attention has been devoted to research on its production, with the aim of making it more sustainable and cost-effective [5]. Various parameters governing the kinetics of transesterification can contribute to the commercial performance of the overall process [6]. Key reaction conditions that must always be optimized for efficient biodiesel production include the molar ratio of alcohol to oil, the type and amount of catalyst, as well as the reaction temperature and time [7,8].
The aim of this study was to carry out the transesterification reaction of rapeseed oil with methanol (methanolysis) using commercial hydrated lime Ca(OH)₂ as a heterogeneous catalyst. The reaction conditions that were varied included reaction temperature (25, 45, and 60 °C) and reaction time (60, 120, and 180 minutes). The obtained results showed that the optimal temperature for the methanolysis process is 60 °C, with an optimal reaction time of 120 minutes.
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