PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM MILK BUSH (THEVETIA PERUVIANA) SEED OIL USING CONVENTIONAL AND NON-CONVENTIONAL CATALYSTS

Abstract

This study discussed production of biodiesel from non edible oil (milk bush) and the effectiveness of calcined chicken eggshell as catalyst in biodiesel production. Methyl ester of the milk bush (Thevetia peruviana) seeds oil was obtained by transesterification using methanol with potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide as conventional catalysts and calcined eggshell as non conventional catalyst. The physiochemical properties and the fatty acid composition were determined for the biodiesel produced using Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID).An optimal biodiesel yield of 90% was obtained within 60min at 60oC using 5:1 (methanol: oil) molar ratio, 0.49 w/v% catalyst concentration and 500rpm agitation. The biodiesel analysis showed comparable results with ASTM standards in terms of viscosity, saponification, acid value, free fatty acid, specific gravity, and as well as smoke, cloud and pour points.