Synthetic Extraction and Characterisation of Biodiesel from Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) Seed Oil.

Abstract

In this study, oil was extracted from luffa seed by solvent extraction method using N-hexane as solvent. Physiochemical properties of the oil were determined; these include moisture content, viscosity, density, specific gravity, smoke point, flash point, acid value, free fatty acid, saponification value, peroxide value and iodine value. The oil was then converted to biodiesel through a two-step transesterification process. Physiochemical properties of the biodiesel were determined and compared with biodiesel ASTM6751 standard. The obtained values for the physiochemical properties of the extracted oil are; 4.82% (moisture content), 5.6mm2/s at 400C (viscosity), 0.91g/cm3 (density), 0.89 (specific gravity), 1650C (smoke point), 1730C (flash point), 11.05mgKOH/g (acid value), 5.525 (free fatty acid), 162mgKOH (saponification value), 292meq/kg (peroxide value) and 122% (iodine value) respectively. The properties of biodiesel determined were viscosity, specific gravity, density, cloud point, pour point, flash point, acid value, free fatty acid and cetane index. Their corresponding values are 7.0mm2/s at 400C, 0.90, 0.96g/cm3, 100C, -60C, 1360C, 4.68mgKOH/g, 2.525 and 51.63 respectively. The biodiesel produced has the potential to be used to power diesel engines and be stable during storage as the high flash point of 1360C of the biodiesel would ensure safety during storage and prevent explosions. The biodiesel has a valid cetane number which ensures a good ignition quality of the fuel and is of importance in the satisfactory operation of a diesel engine.