4. Conclusions
In this study, the optimal conversion for co production of
biodiesel and glycerol carbonate was found by considering variables
from soybean oil and DMC in a solvent-free system. The
results showed that Novozym 435 can be used to co produce
biodiesel and glycerol carbonate. A high enzyme concentration
could increase the conversion of biodiesel and glycerol carbonate,
and 20% Novozym 435 was chosen by considering the efficiency of
the process. In this solvent-free system, high molar ratio of DMC to
soybean oil (10:1) was used in order to drive the reaction toward
and to inhibit the reversible reaction. 60 ◦C was selected as an
optimal temperature. A little water improved the conversion of
biodiesel and glycerol carbonate. These results are expected to contribute
to the preparation of eco-friendly processes using biomass
for the production of enzyme-based value-added chemicals.