Assessment and Characterization of Biodiesel Production from Blended Oils Using Transesterification Technology

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of blended groundnut oil and coconut oil using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst through the transesterification process to improved fuel properties by evaluates the physicochemical characteristics of the produced biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters – FAME), and compared them with standard biodiesel specifications; the properties including density, viscosity, acid value, flash point, and moisture content. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to detected the changes in the functional groups of the raw and carbonized biodiesel samples and the formation of ester bonds in each biodiesel sample, which directly influences the fuel properties. The feed-stocks used in this researched were raw, unrefined groundnut oil and coconut oil, both sourced from local processors in Lokoja, Kogi State and were freshly extracted, filtered to removed impurities and were divided into three broad groups. The findings indicated that the blended oil biodiesel exhibited improved fuel quality within acceptable biodiesel standards, also vital for FAME of biodiesels production especially in Nigeria where feed stock are very available; also, biodiesel production from these feed-stocks can serve as an alternative renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil diesel.