ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF RADISH SEED OIL WITH METHYL ACETATE FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

This study evaluated the extraction of radish seed oil (Raphubus sativus L.) for application in biodiesel production. The experiments were performed in a process assisted by ultrasound using methyl acetate as the solvent, seeking to evaluate the effects of the process parameters, such as time, temperature, and solvent-to-seed ratio, on the oil yield, and to establish the conditions that maximize the oil extraction yield. Conventional extraction was performed for comparative purposes. The extraction time had the greatest influence on the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for the experimental range evaluated, followed by the temperature and amount of solvent. The maximum oil recovery (33%) was obtained for the experiment conducted at 60 degrees C and a solvent-to-seed ratio of 10 mL/g with an extraction time of 90min. The application of ultrasound influenced the oil yield and at 120 min a yield of 33% was obtained. Oleic and erucic acids were the main fatty acids identified in the radish seed oil. The fatty acid composition and physico-chemical characteristics of the oils obtained were not influenced by the extraction method, but the use of ultrasound had a stronger influence on the removal of phytosterols.