Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Tamarind Seed Via Transesterification
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2025.3.90Keywords:
Biodiesel, Transesterification, Tamarind seed, Biomass, Alternative fuelAbstract
In this present study, the conversion of tamarind seed into biodiesel was performed via transesterification process. The purpose of this study also included examining the impact of several reaction circumstances including methanol-to-oil ratio, catalyst quantity, and reaction time on biodiesel yields, as well as identifying optimal conditions for maximum yield. The physico-chemical properties of the produced biodiesel were examined and compared with conventional diesel and biodiesel to evaluate its viability as an alternative fuel. The methodology employed a two-step process: initially, the extraction of vegetable oil followed by transesterification to convert the extracted vegetable oil into biodiesel. Vegetable oil was extracted using a pressure-based liquid extraction apparatus. Before extraction, the seeds were typically heated at 40°C for 15-20 minutes to ensure optimal extraction conditions. The extracted vegetable oil then underwent transesterification at 55°C for 1-1.5 hours using various methanol-to-oil ratios and KOH as a catalyst. A maximum biodiesel yield of 83% was attained using a 6:1 methanol-to-vegetable oil molar ratio, 0.3g of KOH catalyst (1.5% of vegetable oil), and a reaction duration of 1.5 hours at 55°C. The produced biodiesel demonstrated a density of 855.2-943.1 kg/m3, a viscosity of 4.9-5.4 cSt, a flash point between 149-155°C, and a cetane number between 66-68. The gross calorific value of the biodiesel was found to be between 27-29 MJ/kg, which was slightly lower than that of diesel (42-46 MJ/kg). These findings suggest that biodiesel produced from tamarind seed represents a viable alternative fuel option or a potential blend with conventional fuels.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Mushrafi Al- Mueed, Mujahidul Islam, [email protected] (Author)
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