Evaluation of methyl esters of mahua oil (Madhuca indica) as diesel fuel

There is increasing interest in India for suitable alternative fuels that are environment friendly. This search has led to mahua oil (MO) as one alternative for diesel fuel in India. Mahua oil methyl esters (MOME) were prepared by transesterification using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as catalyst and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) testing was done to determine the conversion of vegetable oil to biodiesel (MOME). The properties of MOME were close to those of diesel oil. Engine testing was conducted using a single-cylinder 4-stroke direct-injection, constant-speed compression-ignition diesel engine using MO, MOME and B20 as fuels. The engine ran smoothly with MOME and B20, but heavy smoke emissions were observed when MO was used as fuel.