Yan Pu1, Paul D. Fleming III2, Harold Hladky Sr.1, and Dewei Qi3. (1) Chemical Engineering, Paper Engineering and Imaging, Western Michigan University, 1504, 1A, Concord Place Dri., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, (2) Department of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Imaging, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, (3) Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering & Imaging, Western MichiganUniversity, Parkview Campus A227,PCI, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
As energy demand increases and the fossil fuels are limited and un-renewable, research has been directed to find an alternative and renewable fuel. Biodiesel fuels produced from biomass material is a renewable and promising substitute fuel for petroleum diesel fuel, and it is relatively environmental friendly. A lot of research has been carried out dealing with biodiesel fuel production, which is generally made from vegetable oil or animal fats. The Pulping process involves a huge amount of lignocellulosic materials, which are considered to be the largest portion of biomass. There may be a great potential of combining this fact with the biodiesel production, as well as the present biodiesel technologies. This work explores the possibility of preparing biodiesel from kraft pulping byproduct (tall oil fatty acid) and investigates how temperature, pressure, reaction time, and molar ratio affect the reaction.