Characterization of Simarouba glauca seed oil biodiesel A comprehensive study

Simarouba glauca seed oil was identified as a possible feedstock to produce biodiesel. The oil was produced through two-stage esterification process using concentrated sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide as catalysts. Simarouba glauca seed oil biodiesel was blended with diesel in various proportions, and its thermo-physical properties were characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, the performance and emission characteristics were evaluated in a single-cylinder direct injection diesel engine. The free fatty acid content of the oil was reduced from 3.5 to 0.2%. The results showed that the Simarouba glauca seed oil (SGO) is having good potential of replacing diesel in near future. The performance and emission characteristics of Simarouba seed oil were observed to be good when compared to diesel and satisfied with the limits prescribed in the ASTM D6751, BIS and European standards.