Solid State Mixing Preparation of CaO/Bentonite Nanocomposite and its Application to Improve the Quality of Patchouli Oil

Abstract

A novel, highly active and effective adsorbent has been developed using solid state mixing method of natural bentonite and CaO. The so called CaO/bentonite nanocomposite was determined the optimum heating temperature and bentonite-to-CaO ratio to enhance the quality of patchouli oil by purification process technology. The adsorbents were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, GSA and TG/DTA. The total acid value of patchouli oil was determined by using KOH. The test method to determine physical and chemical properties of patchouli oil in Indonesia has been set nationally through SNI 06-2385-2006. A significant decrease in acid value of patchouli oil (from 5.42 to 0.34 mg KOH/g oil) was observed after purification of patchouli oil over CaO/bentonite-300 (20:80) nanocomposite. After patchouli oil purification over CaO/bentonite-300 (20:80), the concentration of patchouli alcohol (PA) was increased from 33.08 to 34.82%, while Fe content was decreased from 4.25 to 1.56 ppm.