RSM-Based Optimization of Process Parameters in Synthesis of Pentaerythritol Ester of Rapeseed Oil

This study was intended to optimize the reaction parameters of formulation of the rapeseed oil-based pentaerythritol ester (PE) biolubricant using response surface methodology (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD).The parameters chosen for the reaction process to synthesize pentaerythritol ester were catalyst concentration (0.5–1.5 wt%), temperature (140–160 °C), and rate of reaction time (1–5 h). The outcome results of process variables revealed that an optimum condition for the biolubricant synthesis was at the temperature of 145.09 °C, and 1.45 wt% of catalyst capacity and 1.89 h of reaction time were acquired with the 81.6% yield of pentaerythritol ester. The catalyst capacity and reaction process time were found to be the highly considerable interaction variables. The yield predicted after the optimization process has produced adequate results with the experimental value with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9667.