Parametric study on Thermal Decarboxylation of Coconut Methyl Ester Using Calcium Carbonate as catalyst

Author : Reyes, Marvie Anne Landicho
Major Adviser : Bambase Jr., Manolito E.
Committee Members : Capunitan, Jewel A.; Movillon, Jovita L.; Borines, Myra G.; Demafelis, Rex B.
Year : 2015
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
Related Articles:
Keywords:
This manuscript can be accessed: Only after the consultation with author or adviser

Abstract

Decarboxylation of Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) to form hydrocarbons was performed using calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) as catalyst. The following parameters were tested: temperature (150°C and 180°C), catalyst loading (20% and 40%), and percent solvent ( Moreover, analyses showing a decrease in the amount of CME in the liquid product and evolution of carbon dioxide in the gaseous product, confirmed that decarboxylation happened. Parametric study revealed that the percentage reacted of CME can be further increased using the following conditions: temperature at low setting (150°C), catalyst loading and percent solvent at high settings (40% catalyst-to-feed w/w and 87% solvent in the mixture, respectively). It was also found out that the most influential factors are catalyst loading and percent solvent.

---

Go back to Research Abstracts