Optimization of Epoxidation Palm-Based Oleic Acid to Produce Polyols

Optimization of epoxidation by using response surface methodology (RSM) based on three-level three-factorial central composite design (CCD) was used. Response percentage of relative oxirane content (%RCO) was studied to determine the optimum reaction condition for production of polyols. The predicted value of model (85 %) was excellent in accordance to experimental value (81 %). All parameters (temperature, molar ratio of formic acid to oleic acid and molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to oleic acid) were significant in influencing the course of epoxidation reaction (p < 0.05). The interaction between all parameters is also highly significant with p < 0.0001. Optimum reaction conditions obtained from RSM were as follows: the temperature 318 K, molar ratio of formic acid to oleic acid 1.64:1 and molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to oleic acid 2:1. The epoxidation of palm oleic acid was carried out by using in situ performic acid. FTIR analysis showed the formation of epoxy functional groups at optimum reaction condition at the wavelength of 1340 cm-1. This epoxide group was used to produce polyols by using hydroxylation process and the polyols functional group was detected at the wavelength of 816 cm-1