Optimization of biodiesel production from Allamanda Seed Oil using design of experiment

KOH-modified metakaolin (KMK) was synthesized, characterized and utilized as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production from allamanda seed oil (ASO) for the first time. The effect of variables (temperature, time and catalyst concentration) affecting biodiesel production process was optimized using Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology. The biodiesel produced was consequently characterized to determine its fuel properties. Optimization results showed that maximum biodiesel yield of 90.67$\pm$0.14%. was achieved at fixed methanol/ASO molar ratio of 5:1 and at the optimum conditions of 52.5 °C reaction temperature, 180 min reaction time and 0.5 wt.% catalyst concentration. The properties of the produced biodiesel were comparable to the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 specifications, thus indicating the suitability of the ASO biodiesel as a possible alternative to petroleum diesel.