The Effects of Temperature and Catalyst Concentration on Transesterification of Oil Extracted from Ceiba Pentandra (Silk Cotton) Seed Oil

Abstract

The effect of temperature and catalyst concentration on transesterification of Ceiba pentandra (Silk cotton) seed oil was studies using two step, acid esterification and alkali-catalyzed transesterification process with varying catalyst concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0. 1.25, and1.50 % w/v) and methanol/oil ratio of 3:1, 6:1, 9:1and 12:1 at temperatures 50, 55, 60 and 65 oC for 1 hour. The results obtained showed optimal percentage oil yield of 92.9 % at 65 OC after 1 hour. The results also indicate that properties of the biodiesel: specific gravity (0.88±0.01 g/cm3), carbon residue (0.02±0.01 %), acid value (0.10±0.01 mgKOHg-1), sulphur content (0.02±0.03 %), flash point (170±1.00 oC), pour point (25.00±0.50 oC) and viscosity (4.70±0.14 cSt) were within ranges of ASTM biodiesel standard specification. Maximum yield of biodiesel was obtained at 1.0 % catalyst concentration, hence it is recommended that 1.0 % of the catalyst be used for transesterification of Ceiba pentandra seed oil.