International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2575

Full Length Research Paper

Extraction and characterization of biodiesel from Borassus aethiopum and Cassia sieberiana

Veronica A. Ezekoye
  • Veronica A. Ezekoye
  • Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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Benjamin Ezekoye
  • Benjamin Ezekoye
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 18 November 2015
  •  Accepted: 12 January 2016
  •  Published: 30 January 2016

Abstract

Biodiesel was successfully produced from Borassus aethiopum and Cassia sieberiana seeds using the trans-esterification method. The biodiesels produced were characterized by physico-chemical properties of acid value, iodine value, specific gravity, refractive index, viscosity, density, flash point, cloud point and pour point. Results showed that the biodiesels produced have values which compared well with the European Biodiesel Standard. The free fatty acid from B. aethiopum oil and C. sieberiana oil are 2.68 and 13.97%, respectively, while the iodine values are 47.93 gl2/100 g and 48 gl2/100 g, respectively. Also, their saponification values are 201.69 mg K0H/g and 208.56 mg K0H/g, respectively, while their acid values are 5.38 and 28.04, respectively. The calorific value for B. aethiopum biodiesel and C. sieberiana biodiesel are 42568 and 41427 KJ/kg, respectively, while their fire point are 90 and 50°C, respectively.

Key words: Biodiesel, Borassus aethiopum, Cassia, sieberiana, trans-esterification.