Kinetics of the Esterification of Maleic Anhydride with Castor Oil

Abstract

Kinetics reaction between castor oil and maleic anhydride without condensation and catalyst was studied. On the other hand, the products concentration, kinetics and thermodynamics parameters were determined using mathematical modeling and were validated with experimental data. The reaction was carried out in a semi-batch reactor at constant temperature. The reaction was conducted through the determining of the acid number (ASTM D4662-03), and showed first order kinetics with respect to the anhydride. For the modified oil, the hydroxyl value (OHv) was quantified through titration following (ASTM D4274-05). The distribution of molecular weights was determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and functional group analysis was determined using infrared spectroscopy (IR).