IJESR Volume 3, Issue 3 ISSN: 2347-6532 __________________________________________________________ A Monthly Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International e-Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories Indexed & Listed at: Ulrich's Periodicals Directory ©, U.S.A., Open J-Gage as well as in Caďell’s DireĐtories of Puďlishing Opportunities, U.S.A. International Journal of Engineering & Scientific Research http://www.ijmra.us 1 March 2015 Empirical Modeling and Optimization of Clay-Catalysed Esterification using Response Surface Methodology Kamen, F.L. * Igbokwe, P.K ** Nwakaudu, M.S * Ndukwe, O.C. * Abstract The clay-catalysed esterification reaction between acetic acid and ethanol was modeled using Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design. The reaction was catalysed by acid-treated montmorillonite clay from Udi stream in Enugu State of Nigeria. The input variables modeled were the catalyst weight, reaction temperature and reactants mole ratio while the output variable was the percentage conversion of acetic acid. The RSM result showed that the temperature of the reaction had the highest effect with coefficient of 15.611, followed by the reactants mole ratio with coefficient of 9.895 and then the catalyst weight with coefficient of 3.674. The RSM model was statistically tested and found to be adequate and accurate in describing the reaction in the domain of the specified variables. Optimization of the model was achieved using the Constrained Optimizer of MATLAB software. The model optimization predicated maximum conversion of 88.12% while the experimental validation obtained maximum conversion of 86.11%. These are in good agreement, thus validating the model. Key Words: Clay catalyst, esterification, empirical modeling, optimization. * Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. ** Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.