Green Polyols from Tamanu Seed Oil: Reaction Kinetics and Process Optimization

Using methanol, this study examined the hydroxylation process of epoxidized tamanu seed oil (ETSO), with an oxirane number of 3.92 to 4.04 mmol/g, under the catalyzation of sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The objectives of this study were, first, to synthesize polyol from ETSO, and, second, determine how temperature and catalyst concentration play a role in the hydroxylation process. During the experiment, a second-order reaction kinetic model was used for analysis. The hydroxylation process was conducted in a batch reactor for 4 hours under constant temperatures and stirring speed. During the experiment, the samples were taken every 30 minutes. The oxirane number of ETSO and the concentration of polyols were used to the reaction rates. The optimal conditions were found at a temperature of 65°C, with a methanol-to-epoxide mole ratio of 4:1 and a catalyst concentration of 3%. The pre-exponential factor (A) and the calculated activation energy (Ea) were found to be 59,041.74 g.mmol-1.min-1 and 44.69 kJ/mol, respectively. This research, therefore, has successfully identified the optimal conditions for the synthesis of bio-based polyols from tamanu oil.