Abstract

The growing need for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources has intensified research into alternative fuels such as biodiesel. This study focuses on optimizing the production of biodiesel through transesterification using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), a powerful statistical and mathematical tool for modeling and analyzing problems in which multiple variables influence a response. Key process parameters including reaction temperature, methanol-to-oil ratio, catalyst concentration, and reaction time were systematically varied and optimized using a central composite design (CCD). The optimized conditions yielded a high biodiesel conversion efficiency, demonstrating the effectiveness of RSM in reducing experimental trials while maximizing output. Following production, the biodiesel was thoroughly characterized in terms of its physicochemical properties, including density, viscosity, flash point, pour point, and calorific value. These properties were compared against ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards to assess fuel quality. The results confirmed that the produced biodiesel meets the required specifications, making it a viable alternative to conventional diesel. This work highlights the dual importance of process optimization and product quality assessment in biodiesel production, providing a comprehensive approach toward sustainable biofuel development.