Production of alkyl esters as lubricating base oil from palm fatty acid distillate

Abstract

Alkyl esters were produced via esterification reaction from palm fatty acid distillate with various alcohols including hexanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, cyclohexanol, octyl alcohol, lauryl-myristyl alcohol and cetyl-stearyl alcohol. Sulfuric acid was used as a homogeneous catalyst. The experiments were conducted in batch reactor system, at a temperature of 130°C and at an ambient pressure. The results indicate that molecular weight and molecular structure of alcohols affected on physical properties of alkyl esters product. Product produced from lauryl-myristyl alcohol has highest kinematic viscosity value. Product produced from hexanol has highest viscosity index value. Octyl esters have its properties similar to lubricating base oil.