Synthesis of biodiesel from coconut oil and characterization of its blends

In this study, biodiesel was produced from coconut oil via homogeneous basic catalysis using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst, and its characteristics and applicability were analyzed. The following physicochemical properties of coconut oil and biodiesel were determined: density, kinematic viscosity, refractive index, acidity index, saponification index, iodine index, cetane number, and higher calorific value. The following cold flow properties of coconut biodiesel were also identified: pour point, cloud point, and cold filter plugging point. Finally, the influence of the biodiesel content on the density, kinematic viscosity, and heating value of biodiesel blends was evaluated and predicted by a regression model.

Automated summary

In this study, biodiesel was produced from coconut oil using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst, and its characteristics and applicability were analyzed. The physicochemical properties of coconut oil and biodiesel, as well as the cold flow properties of coconut biodiesel, were determined. The influence of biodiesel content on the density, kinematic viscosity, and heating value of biodiesel blends was also evaluated and predicted using a regression model.