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Performance and Emission Characteristics of Castor seed oil and Palm kernel oil Biodiesel in Compression Ignition Engines
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: ThermoFluid and Energy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV8I10-1708028
Abstract
This study investigates the physicochemical properties of castor seed oil and palm kernel oil to evaluate their suitability as feedstock for biodiesel production. The oils were extracted through mechanical pressing and characterized using ASTM D6751 standard methods. Key parameters such as acid value, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, viscosity, density, and heating value were analysed. Castor oil exhibited higher saponification and iodine values, indicating superior lubricity and reactivity, while palm kernel oil showed lower acid and peroxide values, signifying better oxidative stability and storage performance. Both oils conformed to or closely aligned with ASTM biodiesel standards. Comparative analysis with other commonly studied feedstock reaffirmed their viability, especially when blended. An 80:20 castor-to-palm kernel ratio was found to provide an optimal balance of fuel quality and stability. These findings underscore the potential of using non-edible, locally sourced oils to produce sustainable biodiesel in Nigeria and similar resource-abundant regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords
Castor oil, Palm kernel oil, Biodiesel feedstock, Physicochemical properties, ASTM D6751, Renewable energy
How to cite this paper
@article{1708028,
author = {Atiku I Abdulrahman, S U Muhammad},
title = {Performance and Emission Characteristics of Castor seed oil and Palm kernel oil Biodiesel in Compression Ignition Engines},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {10},
pages = {1314-1318},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708028.pdf},
abstract = {This study investigates the physicochemical properties of castor seed oil and palm kernel oil to evaluate their suitability as feedstock for biodiesel production. The oils were extracted through mechanical pressing and characterized using ASTM D6751 standard methods. Key parameters such as acid value, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, viscosity, density, and heating value were analysed. Castor oil exhibited higher saponification and iodine values, indicating superior lubricity and reactivity, while palm kernel oil showed lower acid and peroxide values, signifying better oxidative stability and storage performance. Both oils conformed to or closely aligned with ASTM biodiesel standards. Comparative analysis with other commonly studied feedstock reaffirmed their viability, especially when blended. An 80:20 castor-to-palm kernel ratio was found to provide an optimal balance of fuel quality and stability. These findings underscore the potential of using non-edible, locally sourced oils to produce sustainable biodiesel in Nigeria and similar resource-abundant regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.},
keywords = {Castor oil, Palm kernel oil, Biodiesel feedstock, Physicochemical properties, ASTM D6751, Renewable energy},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV8I10-1708028}
}