Characterization of Annona cherimola Mill. Seed Oil from Madeira Island: a Possible Biodiesel Feedstock

The possibility of using Annona seed oil as an added value product, namely as a source of biodiesel, is explored. Milled Annona seeds were extracted with hexane at room temperature (72 h) and at solvent boiling point (6 h). Oil content was found to be 25 and 22.4% respectively. The oil was characterized in terms of lipid composition (HPLC-APCI-MS and (13)C NMR), resistance to oxidation and acidity index. FAME composition was determined by GC-MS and five major peaks were identified. Production of biodiesel from Annona's seed oil was achieved by base-catalyzed transesterification. Density, viscosity, refraction coefficient, acid value, cold filter plugging point, cloud point and oxidation stability were measured. The iodine value and the "apparent cetane number" were calculated. Density, viscosity, acid value, iodine value, cold filter plugging point and cloud point were within EN14214 specifications and the calculated "apparent cetane number" was also indicative of a suitable product.