Optimisation of Ester Content in Liquefaction of Rubber Seed

Abstract

Increasing in population in the world and demand in energy has led to the depletion of fossil fuels. Renewable energy as alternative resources has intensified in recent years. Hydrothermal liquefaction is utilized in this research to convert the biomass feedstock into bio-oil. The bio-oil sample from the hydrothermal liquefaction is analysed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectometry. A Box Behnken Design with three factors is adopted to optimise the preparation parameters in terms of reaction temperature, volume of solvent used and reaction time. From the analysis, the optimised bio-oil yield of 35.76% can be obtained from temperature of 277.20^oC, volume of solvent of 28.88ml as well as reaction time of 48.10 minutes. On the other hand, an ester content of 95.43% can be obtained under temperature of 265.29oC, volume of solvent of 29.95ml as well as reaction time of 47.10 minutes.