Search

The heterogeneous catalysts in biodiesel synthesis is more environmentally friendly and reusable. Alkaline earth oxides are less alkaline than alkaline oxides. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, which has been started to be developed as a renewable energy. The aim of this study was to synthesize biodiesel from low-quality crude palm oil (CPO) with heterogeneous catalyst of MgO-K2O using ultrasonic waves. The stages in this study were (a) activation of natural zeolites, (b) refining of low quality of CPO, (c) synthesis of MgO-K2O catalyst at ratio of 10 : 1, 10 : 2, 10 : 3 (MgO : KOH) and (d) transesterification of esterified CPO (variations in the amount of catalyst 10%, 15%, and 20%). This research achieved the optimum conditions for methyl ester synthesis at ratio of 10 : 2 (MgO : KOH) of catalyst composition (15% w/w of oil), and the yield was 88.086%. The character of the methyl ester was in accordance of Indonesian biodiesel standard, therefore, the methyl ester obtained has the potential as biodiesel. The composition of the synthesized methyl ester were 1.96% methyl myristate, 40.42% methyl palmitate, 44.32% methyl oleate, and 7.46% methyl stearate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objectives are the antibacterial activity of peanut oil and its derivatives determination. The derivatives are potassium salt (K-salt or K-soap), free fatty acids (FFAs), and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Peanut oil is a liquid light yellow, having density of 0.9372 g.cm−3, viscosity of 230.88 cSt, boiling point of 188 °C, refractive index of 1.4689, soluble in n-hexane, chloroform, and ethanol, but insoluble in methanol and water. The fatty acid contents are palmitic, and stearic acids of 11.46, 16.14, 67.44, and 4.96% respectively. Synthesized K-salts are solid-state and white, have melting point of 208-217 °C, are soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol, but are insoluble in n-hexane and chloroform. There are two FFAs, namely liquid and soft solid. Liquid FFAs are yellowish-white, have density of 0.9560 g.cm−3, viscosity of 462.17 cSt, boiling point of 192 °C, and refractive index of 1.4683. Soft solid FFAs are yellowish-white, and have melting point of 30-35 °C. The FAMEs are liquid yellowish-white, have density of 0.9009 g.cm−3, viscosity of 23.50 cSt, boiling point of 170 °C, and refractive index of 1.4580. The FFAs (liquid and soft solid) and FAMEs are soluble in ethanol, methanol, chloroform, and n-hexane, yet insoluble in water. FFAs and K-salt are active as antibacterial with MIC < 0.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancement of bacterial resistance has not been comparable by the development of new antibacterial, therefore the search for substances that have the potential as antibacterial needs to be developed. One of the substances that have antibacterial activity is fatty acids obtained through the hydrolysis of triglyceride acids (oils or fats). Triglyceride oils are contained in many plants, especially in their seeds. Candlenut seeds (Aleurites moluccana) contain triglycerides, reaching 55-66% of the weight of the seeds. This study aims to determine the antibacterial activity of candlenut oil derivatives, namely potassium soap, fatty acids, and their methyl esters. Stages of the research carried out include: (1) synthesis, characterization, and identification of potassium soap (2) synthesis, characterization, and identification of fatty acids, (3) synthesis, characterization, and identification of methyl esters, and (4) antibacterial activity test for potassium soap, fatty acids, and methyl esters against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results showed that potassium soap, fatty acids, and methyl esters had antibacterial activity. Inhibition zone diameters produced by potassium soap, fatty acids, and methyl esters at a concentration of 1% against Staphylococcus aureus respectively 12.07, 8.75, and 6.67 mm and against Escherichia coli 12.18, 11.02, 7.32 mm, while at a concentration of 2% against Staphylococcus aureus respectively 13.20, 9.77, 7.33 mm and against Escherichia coli 14.00, 13.23 and 8.70 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]