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Physico-chemical characteristics of oil and biodiesel from Nigerian and Indian Jatropha curcas seeds
Abstract
The oil and biodiesel produced from Nigerian and Indian Jatropha curcas seeds were evaluated using a parametric Student’s t-test model. The characteristics assessed include oil yield, specific gravity, density, acid value, free fatty acid, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, viscosity and flash point. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the yield of the Nigerian and Indian Jatropha oils (80% vs 56%). The acid value, free fatty acid, iodine value, peroxide and viscosity values were significantly higher in the Nigerian Jatropha oil compared to the Indian Jatropha oil. There was no significant difference in the density and moisture content between the two Jatropha oils. A higher flash point was recorded for the Nigerian Jatropha diesel. The calorific value was 48.31 MJ/kg in the Nigerian Jatropha diesel as against 47.50 MJ/k Indian Jatropha diesel. Most of the properties of the Nigerian Jatropha diesel evaluated compared favourably with the ATM and EN (for biodiesel) standard values. It could be concluded from this study that, Jatropha curcas plant found in Nigeria has the potential of boosting the economy in term of biodiesel production. © 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.
Key words: Jatropha curcas plant, characteristics of oil and biodiesel
