DEVELOPMENT OF POLYMER CATALYST FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM RUBBER SEED OIL

Authors: *Ossai J.E, Aluyor E.O, Edopkayi O

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

Polymer catalyst for biodiesel production and the catalytic activity dependence of preparation condition, ranging from adsorbed radiation dose, reaction temperature and retention time were investigated in this study. The catalyst was synthesized by radiation – induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto cassava starch substrate followed by amination with trimethylamine and the product was further treated with sodium hydroxide solution and washed in distilled water. The catalyst was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR). The X- ray diffraction analysis showed that the starch had a change in crystallinity. The FT –IR results with strong peak at 929 cm^-1 revealed the presence of ?- amylase in the polymer catalyst. The enzymatic degradation of cassava starch with ?-amylase resulted in the disappearance of the intensity of bands at 1150 cm^-1 and 1080 cm^-1.The high free fatty acid value of the rubber seed oil (2.8) necessitated the use of a two – step transesterification process for biodiesel production. The transesterification was carried out with methanol at a temperature of 50 ^oC for 1 hour. Fuel properties of the biodiesel produced was evaluated following ASTM standard methods.

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