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Studies on the Yield and Properties of Biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas L. Seeds

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2012 Dallas, Texas, July 29 - August 1, 2012  121340716.(doi:10.13031/2013.41944)
Authors:   Isaac N Itodo, Ambo M Ezekiel, Samuel E Obetta
Keywords:   Alcohol, Biodiesel, Jatropha, Properties, Yield

A study was undertaken to determine the yield and properties of biodiesel from jatropha curcas L. seed. Oil was extracted from dehulled jatropha seeds, purified and its physico-chemical properties determined. The oil was transesterified to methyl and ethyl esters using potassium hydroxide as catalyst at the alcohol-to-oil ratios of 1: 4, 1: 5, 1: 6 and 1: 7. The properties of the methyl and ethyl esters were determined and compared to that of typical biodiesel as contained in ASTM D6751 standard. The ethyl ester yield was higher than methyl ester at all the ratios except at the ratio of 1: 5. The specific gravity of ethyl esters was poorest compared to methyl esters and typical biodiesel. The methyl ester ratio of 1: 6 had the best properties. The ANOVA at p = 0.05 showed that the alcohol-to-oil ratio and alcohol type had no significant effect on biodiesel yield. There was no significant difference in biodiesel yield between the two types of alcohol (methanol and ethanol) used in this study using the F test at p = 0.05.

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