PRODUCTION AND CHARATERIZATION OF BIODIESL FROM MIXTURE OF CASTOR OIL AND NEEM OIL
Abstract
This study investigates the production and characterization of biodiesel derived from the mixture of castor oil and neem oil (Azadirachta indica and Ricinus communis) non-edibles, abundantly available, and underutilized plant oil with high free fatty acid (FFA) content. The mixture was extracted and subjected to physicochemical analysis, which revealed properties such as a pH of 6.2, density of 0.87 g/cm³, viscosity of 87.7 mm²/s, and flash point of 178.5 °C. Due to its high FFA content (3.52 mg KOH/g), a two-step transesterification process was employed: acid-catalyzed esterification using sulfuric acid to reduce FFA, followed by base-catalyzed transesterification using sodium hydroxide and methanol. The resulting biodiesel was purified and analyzed for key fuel properties.
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