Synthesis and Characterization of Diesel Lubricity Enhancer from Palm Oil
Sovia Masfuri W.S. (1), R. Arizal Firmansyah (1,3), R.Y Perry Burhan (1,2*), Yulfi Zetra (1)

1) Department of Chemistry, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS Keputih, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia
*pburhan[at]chem.its.ac.id
2) Politeknik Energi dan Mineral Akamigas, Jl Gajah Mada no 38, Cepu 58315, Indonesia
3) Department of Chemistry Education, UIN Walisongo, 50185, Indonesia

Abstract

Desulphurization of diesel fuel is necessary to be done to reduce sulphur content in the air. However, the desulphurization process will reduce the lubrication properties of diesel fuel. In order to overcome the problem, bioadditive is needed to improve the lubricity. Lubricity of diesel fuel can be improved by subsistence of chemical compound that is hydroxy ethyl esther (HEE). HEE is synthesized through the transesterification reaction of palm oil (triglycerides) at 150 OC for 5 hours and K2CO3 catalyst as well. The conversion of TG into the products is 72,90%. The characterization using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) indicate that the chemical compound in synthesis products consist of free fatty acids, hydroxy ethyl esters and by-products. The obtained products can be used as bioadditives to improve the lubricity of diesel fuel.

Keywords: palm oil- bioadditive- lubricity enhancer- transesterification

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