optimization on rubber seed oil epoxidation process parameters using response surface methodology

pure rubber seed oil was epoxidized via in situ conventional method using hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid as catalyst. optimization of the effect of process parameters such as time, temperature, and catalyst concentration was studied using response surface methodology (rsm). the optimal condition for the predicted oxirane value, 1.5333%, was obtained at a reaction time of 6.49 hours, stirring speed of 667.26, and catalyst concentration of 1.82 mol. the resultant epoxide product was confirmed using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ftir) (at 1636.3 cm^-1). these findings demonstrated the effects of process parameters on the rate of epoxide formation and the possibility to synthesize bio-based resin from rubber seed oil.