Ultrasonic Assisted Transesterification of Neem Oil for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

In this experimental study, neem oil has been used as raw material for producing biodiesel using both ultrasonic transesterification and a magnetic stirrer method. A two-step transesterification process was carried out for optimum condition of 0.45 V/V methanol to oil ratio, 0.75% V/V sulphuric acid catalyst, 60°C and 60 min reaction time followed by treatment with 0.2% V/V methanol to oil ratio, 1.2% KOH alkaline catalyst, 60°C and 60 min reaction time. The process is repeated with an ultrasonic method at the frequency of 20 KHz and ultrasonic power of 200 W for about 5–10 min. Biodiesel obtained from ultrasonic method and magnetic stirrer was then compared for their percentage yield and physiochemical properties. Ultrasonic transesterification process gave a maximum yield of 98.01% by weight of neem biodiesel along with better physiochemical characteristics. Therefore, it is concluded that ultrasonic is the most effective method for converting crude neem oil into biodiesel.

Keywords:

• biodiesel
• methanol
• neem oil
• potassium hydroxide
• sulphuric acid
• ultrasonic method