The objective of the present study is to optimize and evaluate
the influence of different process parameters on the biodiesel yield
from supercritical transesterification of palm oil using response
surface methodology. Different process parameters including alcohol
to oil molar ratio (25:1–50:1), reaction time (10–30 min), reaction
temperature (260–300 C), and co-solvent ratio (0.1–0.4% v/v)
were optimized using response surface methodology. Pressure was
maintained above supercritical conditions of ethanol (63 bar). A
mathematical model was developed for predicting the fatty acid
ethyl ester (FAEE) yield. The biodiesel produced is analyzed using
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS), thermogravimetric
analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform and Infrared Spectroscopy
(FT-IR) and fuel properties of palm oil biodiesel have been
discussed in detail.