Modeling and optimization of transesterification of Jatropha oil to fatty acid methyl ester: application of response surface methodology (CCD) and Taguchi orthogonal method.

The study effectively optimized the transesterification process of Jatropha oil to fatty acid methyl ester using response surface methodology (CCD) and Taguchi orthogonal method, leading to enhanced efficiency and product quality. The optimization of five process parameters was conducted to predict the biodiesel yield (%) from the transesterification of Jatropha oil. The procedure was made easier with the use of a nanocatalyst made from calcium oxide obtained from snail shells using the hydrothermal technique.