Production and characterization of biodiesel from Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) seed oil available in Bangladesh

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In this study, biodiesel was produced from Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) seed oil available in Bangladesh. The percentage of the oil extracted from the seed using a mechanical expeller was found at 24.87%. As the free fatty acid content of crude Jatrpha oil was higher, acid-catalyzed esterification and base-catalyzed transesterification were carried out to produce biodiesel. The optimum condition for esterification was found as follows: addition of 90% methanol and 2.25% H2SO4 (both are based on the wt.% of oil), 60 °C temperature and 90-minute reaction time and that for the transesterification was found as follows: addition of 50% methanol and 0.8% NaOH (both are based on the wt. of oil), 60 °C temperature and 90-minute reaction time. The yield of biodiesel was found 95.09% at optimum condition. The fatty acid content in the produced biodiesel includes oleic acid (45.09%), linoleic acid (25.21%), palmitic acid (13.85%), and methyl tricosanoate (10.3%) as a major component. Viscosity, density, pour point, flash point, acid value, and calorific value of the produced biodiesel were found 5.18 cSt, 0.87 gm/cc, −10.01 °C, 96.6 °C, 0.49 mg KOH/g of oil, and 35.84 MJ/Kg, respectively. Six blends of biodiesel and commercial diesel were prepared and their performances were measured. The produced biodiesel can potentially be used in blending with commercial diesel and contribute to the fuel economy of Bangladesh.