From seeds to bioenergy: a conversion path for the valorization of castor and jatropha seeds

The world's energy matrix can be diversified with biodiesel from castor and jatropha oil. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess a conversion path for the valorization of castor and jatropha seeds. The results showed the maximum extraction of castor oil at 90 degrees C, 2 rpm, and 6 mm nozzle, achieving a yield of 36.97% and for jatropha oil at 100 degrees C, 1.5 rpm, and 10 mm nozzle, achieving a yield of 20.11%. The acid value and cloud point of castor and jatropha oil were 0.797 and 23.44 mg KOH/g, 10 +/- 1 degrees C and 12 +/- 0.55 degrees C, respectively; while the pour point was-3 degrees C for both. The acid value and cloud point for biodiesels ranged from 0.26-0.43 mg KOH/g, and-12.50-6.10 degrees C, respectively. The viscosity of oils and biodiesel ranged from 0.02-1.3 P. GC-MS indicated 66.38% of methyl ricinoleate in castor biodiesel and 31.64% of methyl oleate in jatropha biodiesel. The HHV for castor and jatropha biodiesel ranged from 32.37-40.25 MJ/kg. Copyright: (c) 2022 CSIC. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.

Automated summary

The study assessed a conversion path for the valorization of castor and jatropha seeds, resulting in a high extraction yield of castor oil and jatropha oil under specific conditions. The physicochemical properties of the oils and their biodiesel were within acceptable ranges. This study provides experimental data and evidence for the utilization of castor and jatropha as feedstocks for biodiesel production.