Base catalyzed transesterification of wild apricot kernel oil for biodiesel production

Prunus armeniaca L. grows wildly and is also cultivated at higher altitudes in temperate regions of Pakistan. Its kernel is a rich source of oil but its biodiesel production properties have not yet been exploited. During the present investigation, some quality parameters of kernel oil like acid value, free fatty acid content (as oleic acid), iodine value, specific gravity and saponification value pertaining to biodiesel production were studied. Biodiesel was produced through base (NaOH) catalyzed transesterification. An oil/methanol molar ratio of 1: 6 and treatment of sodium methoxide with molecular sieves prior to mixing with kernel oil offered the higher (93%) biodiesel yield which is 4% higher than without the use of molecular sieves. Fuel properties, such as density, specific gravity, kinematic viscosity, color, flash, cloud and pour point were in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 6751. However, the cloud, and pour points were slightly higher than the conventional diesel fuel. Results of the present investigation revealed that pre-treatment of methoxide with molecular sieves can improve the yield of biodiesel and the biodiesel produced through base catalyzed transesterification of wild apricot kernel oil has fuel properties quite comparable to those of mineral diesel and thus can be successfully utilized for applications in compression-ignition engines.