The synthesis and evaluation of some physicochemical properties of biodiesel from Makapuno
Abstract
This work considered the use of Makapuno (also known as Macapuno) in the Mekong River Delta for the synthesis of renewable and environmentally friendly biodiesel fuel as an alternative to conventional diesel fuel. For this purpose, biodiesel was prepared from Makapuno through transesterification reaction by using 100 g Makapuno oil, 20% methanol (wt % with respect to Makapuno oil), 1% potassium hydroxide catalyst at temperature condition of 60ºC, reaction time of 2 hours and agitation speed of 500 rpm (revolutions per minute). The experiment was carried out for three times and the average result was evaluated. The highest yield was found to be 86.5%. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of Makapuno oil as well as Makapuno biodiesel (MBDF) were evaluated by determination of important properties such as kinematic viscosity at 40ºC, acid value and fatty acid profile. The results showed that MBDF exhibited fuel properties within the limits prescribed by the latest American Standards for Testing Material (ASTM), European standards (EN) and Japanese Industrial Standards. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical result showed that methyl laurate (C12:0) and methyl myristrate (C14:0) were the two major components of MBDF. These obtained results demonstrated the potential of Makapuno as good feedstock for biodiesel production in the Mekong River Delta.