Production of biodiesel using rubber [Hevea brasiliensis (Kunth. Muell.)] seed oil

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed oil was extracted, and its physical and chemical characteristics determined. The crude oil was bleached and the ester-fuel (methyl-ester) was prepared by trans-esterification with 6-molar excess of methanol using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. Methyl ester yield and fuel properties of the oil (crude and bleached) and its methyl ester were determined and compared to that of commercial diesel fuel. The analysis of the properties in comparison to commercial diesel fuel showed that trans-methylation improved the fuel properties of the oil. The viscosity was substantially reduced from 37.85 to 6.29 cSt. Calculated cetane index (increased from 34.00 to 44.81), other fuel properties were also found to improved. The results supports the choice of monosters, in place of straight rubber seed oil, as having better potential for use as alternative diesel fuel. However, oxidative stability was reduced by trans-methylation. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.