Conversion of non-edible Argemone Mexicana seed oil into biodiesel through the transesterification process

In the present research work, a promising and underutilized feedstock, Argemone Mexicana (AM) seed oil is converted into biodiesel through the two-step transesteri?cation process using hot plate magnetic stirrer. The physicochemical properties of AM biodiesel (Argemone Mexicana oil methyl ester; AMOME), established through standard procedures and found well within the EN14214 standard limits. In this experimental study different variables such as methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction time, and amount of catalyst used are taken into consideration. The experimental outcomes show that the best yield for the conversion of AM seed oil into biodiesel is achieved up to 94% for methanol to oil molar ratio of 6:1 with 60 min heating time for two different catalyst concentrations. Thus the biodiesel production with 0.4% catalyst concentration is found more eco-friendly due to lesser use of catalyst. Finally, it is resolved from the results obtained by the experiment that biodiesel produced from AM seed oil may be used as a potential substitute for natural diesel fuel.