Advancing Biodiesel: Exploring Sustainable Feedstocks and Optimizing Fuel Properties

A study on Multipartite Biodiesel Investigation: Key Objectives

This study explores various methods to enhance biodiesel production and improve its properties:

  1. Exploring Alternative Feedstocks
    We aim to produce biodiesel using different oils and biomass feedstock. While vegetable oil is sustainable, using edible feedstock for fuel presents challenges. Therefore, we are investigating alternatives such as microbial lipids, animal waste, waste cooking oil, municipal waste, rice straw, and grease waste. However, challenges include potential soap formation, reduced quality, and complex purification processes.
  2. Transesterification Reaction Variables
    The study will evaluate how key variables in the transesterification process (catalyst type, temperature, and alcohol-to-oil ratio) affect biodiesel properties like viscosity, density, flash point, and cold filter plugging point. We aim to optimize these factors for better fuel performance.
  3. Enhancing Combustion Properties
    Given biodiesel’s high viscosity, blending with petro-diesel has been a common approach to improve engine performance. This research seeks greener blending alternatives or chemical additives to reduce viscosity without compromising combustion properties.