Response Surface Methodology Based Process Optimization for Biodiesel Production using Cottonseed Oil: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Present study describes the optimization and comparison of biodiesel production using cottonseed oil as feedstock and NaOH, KOH and NaOCH₃ as catalyst to catalyze transesterification of cottonseed oil. Maximum cottonseed oil fatty acid methyl esters (CSOFAME's) yield (%) obtained using NaOCH₃, KOH and NaOH was 95.41, 94.25 and 91.4 %, respectively. NaOCH₃ was found to be most productive gives best results. GC-MS analysis of CSOFAME's was carried out for compositional analysis. Further fuel properties of CSOFAME's were found compatible with the standards.