Biodiesel Preparation and Characterization from Maesa Lanceolata Seed Oil using Sodium Hydroxide Catalytic Transesterification Method.

Abstract

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly and a sustainable Biofuel with fossil fuel–like properties. Fossil fuels are the major sources of energy across the world. These energy sources are nonrenewable and highly concentrated in specific part of the world. The depletion rate of these fossil fuels is also much faster than their regeneration rate and is the major sources of greenhouse gases, air pollution and global warming. This study aimed to produce biodiesel from a Nobel plant Maesa Lanceolata seed oil using sodium hydroxide catalytic transesterification process. Soxhlet extraction method was employed for oil extraction process by applying petroleum ether solvents. ANOVA and Box Behnken standard design for optimization of process parameters was done by response surface method (RSM) and tested for the significance. A maximum oil yield of 36.96% were obtained at the temperature of 70oC, 6 hours of reaction time, and plant seed powder to solvent ratio of 1: 5 at constant particle size of 0.25mm. The physical and chemical characteristics of the oil; moisture content of 3%, density 0.917g/cm3 , acid value of 1.39 mg KOH/g oil and free fatty acid of 0.696% were determined and most of the results agreed with the American society testing for materials as feedstocks for biodiesel synthesis. The Maximum Biodiesel yield of 98.67% were found at 4:1 of oil to Sodium methoxide ratio, 25 minutes of reaction time and 65oC of reaction temperature. The biodiesel characteristics; water and sediment content of 0.025%, density of 0.885 g/cm3 , Acid value of 0.64 mg KOH/g of biodiesel, Saponification value of 180.27 mg KOH/g of biodiesel, Iodine value of 111.83gI2/100g, Cetane number of 51.41, Flash point of 135°C and Sulfated ash of 0.016% mass results were within ASTM standard limits except the kinematic viscosity of 6.7 mm2 /s value that was little higher and could overcome by blending and further purification process. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the oil was efficiently transesterified to Biodiesel. In general, the major findings of the study showed that Maesa Lanceolata seed oil is among the non-edible oil sources which have a great potential for biodiesel synthesis due to its feedstock characteristics and being as alternative to other sources.