PRODUCTION OF FUEL ADDITIVE (TRIACETIN) FROM GLYCEROL AND ACETIC ACID USING ESTERIFICATION PROCESS WITH SULPHURIC ACID CATALYST

Abstract

Biodiesel is an alternative energy that can replace fossil fuel diesel. Biodiesel production by transesterification reaction produces glycerol. This study aims to form triacetin by reacting glycerol with acetic acid through an esterification reaction. The total volume of glycerol and acetic acid used in this study was 240 ml. Stirring speed was carried out at 100 rpm. The weight of the catalyst was varied at 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13% by weight of glycerol. The ratio of glycerol to acetic acid was varied at 1:4; 1:6; 1:8; 1:10; and 1:12. The content of triacetin was analyzed using GCMS. The results showed that the best operating conditions were obtained at a mole ratio of 1:12 glycerol and acetic acid, 13% catalyst weight, 80˚C reaction temperature and 60 minutes reaction time. The conversion obtained is 88.5%.