title: Optimization of supercritical methanol reactive extraction by response surface methodology and product characterization from Jatropha curcas L. seeds.
abstract: In this study, optimization of supercritical reactive extraction directly from Jatropha seeds in a high pressure batch reactor using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) coupled with Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was performed. Four primary variables (methanol to solid ratio (SSR), reaction temperature, time and CO2 initial pressure) were investigated under the proposed constraints. It was found that all variables had significant effects towards fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield. Moreover, three interaction effects between the variables also played a major role in influencing the final FAME yield. Optimum FAME yield at 92.0 wt.% was achieved under the following conditions: 5.9 SSR, 300°C, 12.3 min and 20 bar CO2. Final FAME product was discovered to fulfil existing international standard. Preliminary characterization analysis proved that the solid residue can be burnt as solid fuel in the form of biochar while the liquid product can be separated as specialty chemicals or burned as bio-oil for energy production.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seberang Perai Selatan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Keat Teong
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D025924:Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid / Q000379:methods*; D031286:Jatropha / Q000196:embryology*; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000432:Methanol
keywords: Biodiesel; Characterization; Jatropha; Optimization; Supercritical reactive extraction