Utilization of sterculia foetida oil as a sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production: optimization, performance, and emission analysis

• Published in: Results in engineering Vol. 24; p. 103196
• Main Authors: Devarajan, Yuvarajan, D, Christopher Selvam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Diesel; Engines; Green fuel; Renewable; Sterculia foetida; Sustainable practices; Waste-to-energy; Renewable; Sterculia foetida; Diesel; Waste-to-energy; Sustainable practices; Engines; Green fuel
• ISSN: 2590-1230; 2590-1230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103196

•95.2 % conversion rate achieved in biodiesel production from Sterculia foetida oil.•5.17 h oxidation stability exceeds ASTM D6751 biodiesel standards.•Emissions reduced: CO by 2.3 %, HC by 4.1 %, and smoke by 1.9 % vs. diesel.•High Iodine value (101.4 g/100 g) indicates unsaturation, affecting viscosity/cetane.•Slight NOx rise observed; trade-off requires further research for mitigation. This study examines the feasibility of employing Sterculia foetida oil as a sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production, offering an eco-friendly substitute for conventional diesel fuel without requiring engine alterations. The method employs a two-step catalytic process, first with acid esterification to reduce the free fatty acid (FFA) concentration, followed by alkaline esterification for biodiesel synthesis. Essential process parameters—such as reaction time, temperature, catalyst concentration, and molar ratio—are carefully optimized to improve biodiesel yield. Under optimal conditions, the process achieves an impressive conversion rate of 95.2 %, demonstrating the considerable potential of Sterculia foetida oil for biodiesel production. Furthermore, blends of Sterculia foetida biodiesel (SFB) and diesel demonstrate a notable decrease in harmful emissions, especially a 2.3 % reduction in carbon monoxide (CO), a 4.1 % reduction in hydrocarbons (HC), and a 1.9 % decrease in smoke emissions compared to pure diesel. This study highlights the innovative use of non-edible oil as feedstock, a customized optimization method, and a highly effective catalytic process, all while emphasizing environmental sustainability and reduced emissions.