Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 18 December 2006, p. 305-311
SCALED-UP PRODUCTION AND OPTIMIZATION STUDY ON THE ESTERIFICATION OF PALM-BASED FATTY ACID AND TRIETHANOLAMINE
Esterquats or cationic surfactants are increasingly used because of their fabrics softening effect and excellent biodegradability. Esterquats production is a two-stage process involving esterification and quaternization. Esteramines, an intermediate for the production of esterquats is produced by esterifying of palm-based fatty acid and triethanolamine in the presence of hypophosphorus acid of 50% purity. The esterificarion variables, and colour of esteramines produced. Vaccum and temperature had a profound impact on the esterification process. A vaccum of a least 40 mbar was required for the formation of a light-colour esteramines. The reaction time was shortened from 9 hr to approximately 4 hr when the reactor temperature was increased from 160°C to 180°C. Improved colour of the estramine was also obeserved with the higher temperature effect. However, mixing intensity only had minimal effect on both the esterification rate and colour of the esteramines.
KEYWORDS:* Malaysian Palm Oil Board,
P. O. Box 10620, 50720 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
E-mail: liza_azi@mpob.gov.my