Characterization of Garcinia Mangostana Linn. Seeds as potential feedstocks for biodiesel production

Abstract

Biodiesel, an alternative fuel is derived from the fats of animals and plants. As energy demand increase and fossil fuels are limited, research is directed towards alternative renewable fuels. The fuel of bio-origin may be the biodiesel obtained from edible or non-edible vegetable oil through transesterification process. Due to the relatively high cost of edible oils, the cost of producing methyl or ethyl esters from edible oils is currently more expensive than hydrocarbon based diesel fuels. The cost of biodiesel can be reduces if we can consider non-edible oils instead of edible oils. Non-edible oil is easily available and less expensive. Furthermore, the use of non-edible vegetable oils is of significance because of great need for edible oil as food and they are too expensive to be used as fuels. Therefore, this study is emphasis on the feasibility of biodiesel preparation from food waste feedstock, Garcinia Mangostana Linn. seed. The experimental work presented in this thesis is mainly divided into two parts. In the first part, characterization of seed by using Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectrometer (FT-IR), Themogravimetry Analyzer (TGA) and Bomb Calorimeter. While for the second part, studied were carried out on two-phase solvent extraction (TSE) and acid transesterification for the production of biodiesel. The influential factors of transesterification such as catalyst concentration and mole ratio of methanol to oil were optimized. The results showed that the optimal reaction parameter were acid sulphuric concentration 20 % by volume of Garcinia Mangostana Linn. seed oil and mole ratio of methanol to oil at 9 : 1.