Production of biodiesel from castor oil seeds

Abstract

Biofuel, a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly fuel produced from renewable sources, has been accepted as a sustainable replacement and a panacea for the damaging effects of the exploration for and consumption of fossil-based fuels. The current work examines the classification, generation, and utilization of biofuels, particularly in internal combustion engine (ICE) applications. Biofuels are classified according to their physical state, technology maturity, the generation of feedstock, and the generation of products. The generation of biofuels from waste helps in waste minimization, proper waste disposal, and sanitation. The utilization of biofuels in ICEs improves engine performance and mitigates the emission of poisonous gases. There is a need for appropriate policy frameworks to promote commercial production and seamless deployment of these biofuels for transportation applications with a view to guaranteeing energy security. This work therefore presents the biodiesel production from castor oil using methanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide catalyst. A preliminary assessment of castor seeds was performed, together with the evaluation of the extracted raw oil, without any refinement, for biodiesel production. Mechanical and chemical oil extraction procedures were evaluated. Biodiesel was produced by homogenous alkaline transesterification and the product yield was 96% (w/w) biodiesel. The results indicated changes in physical and chemical properties of castor oil and to achieve higher product yields and quality using raw oil, longer reaction times are required compared to what is generally reported for refined oil.