Application of Full Factorial Design to Optim0ize Solvent Free Microwave Extraction of Eucalyptus Citriodora Essential Oil

The solvent free microwave extraction (SFME) of essential oil from eucalyptus was optimized using a full factorial design in terms of oil yield to determine the optimum extraction conditions. Several experiments were carried out with varying parameters like, extraction time, microwave power and type of sample for two level of each. The mathematical model applied form a first order regression equation. The predicted values calculated by the regression model were in good agreement values. The results showed that the extraction time is most prominent factor followed by microwave power level and sample type for extraction process. An average of 0.97 % of eucalyptus oil can be extracted using existing setup. The optimum condition for the eucalyptus oil extraction using SFME, were the extraction time 30 minutes, microwave power level 640 watt and sample type cuts sample. SFME proves a green and promising technique for essential oil extraction.