Abstract
Currently, biotransformer oil (BTO) is in high demand due to the increasing level of electrical power consumption and environmental policy. Hence, this research aimed to prepare a highly stable BTO via basic transesterification of palm oil methyl ester (POME) and ditrimethylolpropane (Di-TMP) catalyzed by sodium methoxide (NaOCH3). Under the optimal conditions (POME/Di-TMP molar ratio = 5.0/1.0, NaOCH3 loading = 8 mol % based on the Di-TMP content under 3.5 mbar, and 300 rpm at 160 °C for 2 h), the POME conversion level and POME-Di-TMPTTE selectivity reached 90.3% and 96.6%, respectively. The obtained BTO with a high POME-Di-TMPTTE portion exhibited greater oxidation stability with a higher flash point and breakdown voltage in accordance with the IEC 62770 specification. A techno-economic analysis revealed the possibility of POME-Di-TMPTTE as a commercial BTO for its competitive cost and profit based on the current commercial price of BTO.