Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Putra Malaysia
MyJurnal

Abstract

Palm oil-based Trimethylolpropane ester (TMP ester), with an iodine value of 66.4 g/100g, was epoxidizedto produce epoxidized TMP esters. In situ epoxidation method was used with peracetic acid to eliminatefatty acid double bonds in palm oil-based TMP ester and change it into oxirane ring. This was done toimprove the oxidative stability of trimethylolpropane ester which is a key concern limiting the usefulservice life in lubricants. The epoxidation was performed by reacting acetic acid as active oxygen carrierwith concentrated hydrogen peroxide as oxygen donor and a small amount of homogeneous catalyst(sulphuric acid). The effects of various parameters on the rate of epoxidation (such as the ratio of moleacetic acid to ethylenic unsaturation, hydrogen peroxide to ethylenic unsaturation and acetic acid moleratio, and amount of catalyst) were studied. The rate of oxidation was investigated by the percentageof oxirane oxygen analysis and iodine value.