Acid-based Catalyzed Transesterification Bioprocess for Biodiesel from Jatropha Oil-Based Free Fatty Acids: Its Physical, and Mechanical Properties

The study investigated the efficiency of biodiesel conversion from jatropha oil-based free fatty acid using an acid-based catalyzed transesterification bioprocess. The maximum Jatropha biodiesel yield was 80% in a 1-hour reaction using a 0.03:1 acid catalyst to oil and a 2:1 alcohol-to-oil ratio. At the same time, the optimum biodiesel yield was in a 2-hour reaction for step 2 by using a 0.03:1 ratio of base catalyst to oil and a 5:1 ratio of alcohol to oil. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer analysis of Jatropha Biodiesel (JB) revealed a methyl peak (O-CH3) at 1436.07 cm-1, indicating compatibility with pure mineral diesel, high speed (1295.67rpm), brake horsepower(30.6906KW), mechanical efficiency (53.10%), and lower specific fuel consumption (15.5879 mL/KW. compared with other Jatropha biodiesel blends.