Ball-milling transesterification process on biodiesel production: RSM optimization, life cycle assessment and market dynamics analysis

Biodiesel can be produced efficiently by the ball-milling method, which is a sustainable energy and can be incorporated into the economic system. However, the impact of process variables on the biodiesel yield has not been studied. In this paper, RSM and parametric analysis were used to model and optimize the ball-milling process. The catalyst dosage is an important parameter factor affecting the biodiesel yield. Furthermore, life cycle assessments were conducted for both ball-milling and magnetic stirring method to determine their differences. The results show that the ball-milling method has better potential environmental impacts, especially for abiotic depletion (fossil fuels), which is 80% reduction less than the magnetic stirring method. SWOT analysis aids in creating strategic approaches to increase effectiveness and boost competitiveness. Ball-milling method is more sustainable and economical than magnetic stirring for biodiesel preparation.