MgO nanoparticles inpactcastor oilbiodiesel’s viscosity, density, and specific gravity

Abstract

The study addresses concerns over the eventual depletion of petroleum by focusing on biodiesel derived from castor oil, a non-edible vegetable oil rich in ricinoleic acid. This renewable alternative offers significant environmental benefits compared to conventional diesel, including biodegradability, lower toxicity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The research centers on optimizing the transesterification process of castor oil into biodiesel, exploring parameters such as alcohol-to-oil ratio and catalyst concentration to maximize yield and quality. A notable aspect of the study involves the incorporation of MgO nanoparticles into transesterified castor oil to enhance its viscosity, density, and specific gravity. The nanoparticles, ranging from 0.2% to 1.0% concentration, were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for purity assessment of the oxide. Results indicate that even at a low concentration (0.2%), MgO nanoparticles significantly improve the physical properties of the biodiesel, suggesting an optimal concentration for fluid enhancement. Overall, the research contributes to sustainable biofuel development by leveraging non-edible vegetable oils like castor oil. By characterizing and ensuring the quality of the produced biodiesel against standard specifications, the study supports its practical application as a cleaner and more environmentally responsible fuel alternative. This advancement underscores ongoing efforts to reduce dependency on finite fossil fuel resources while promoting energy security and environmental stewardship in the transportation sector.