Synthesis and Characterization of Biodiesel and Its Blends from Palm Kernel Oil (Elaeis guineensis) as a Renewable Energy Alternative

This study aims to examine a sustainable source of energy from environmentally friendly and renewable resource. Crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) obtained from kernel of African oil palm (Elaeis Gunieensis) was transesterified into biodiesel using alcohol (methanol) and base catalyst (sodium hydroxide) to produce 80.6% PKO methyl ester (biodiesel). Biodiesel produced was blended with diesel fuel in various proportions. Physiochemical properties of biodiesel produced, and its blends evaluated according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D6751). The results showed that; most of Physiochemical properties of PKO biodiesel and its blends were met the requirements of ASTM standard methods.