Optimization by Response Surface Methodology of Biodiesel Production from Podocarpus falcatus Oil as a Cameroonian Novel Nonedible Feedstock

The production of methyl esters (biodiesel) by the transesterification Podocarpus falcatus oil (PFO) with methanol was optimized response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken design. effects parameters such as temperature, reaction time, and alcohol/oil molar ratio yield viscosity responses were investigated. optimum conditions for biodiesel follows: temperature at 65°C, time 180 min, 10 : 1, while minimum obtained a 50°C, 120 1. Physicochemical characterization infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) UV visible showed that free fatty acid (FFA) content 1.9%, which is less than maximum 2% recommended application one-step alkaline process. Also, from seen to consist mainly esters, its physicochemical characteristics are within standard set American Standard Testing Materials (ASTM).