Extraction and Characterization of Palm Kernel Oil from African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) as a Biodiesel Feedstock in Sudan

This study aims to identify a sustainable source of energy from natural and environmentally friendly resources. Crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) was extracted from kernel of African oil palm (Elais Guineensis) by two chemical extraction methods; soxhlet extraction and cold solvent extraction; yields % were found 40.98% and 34% respectively. The physiochemical properties of extracted oil were evaluated and results showed that its color (Golden Yellow), refractive index was 1.477, density at 15 ºC was 0.80343g/cm3, Kinematic viscosity at 40 ºC was 25.13 cSt, cloud point was 31 ºC, pour point was 21 ºC, free fatty acid was 2.60%, acid value was 5.20 mg KOH g-1, peroxide value was 7.30 mEq kg-1, iodine value was 18.23 mg g-1, saponification value was 216.11mg/KOH g-1and water content was 0.0329%. The fatty Acid compositions were determined using GC-MS. The results showed the dominant fatty acids were lauric acid, myristic acid and Oleic acid in which represent of 39.18%, 20.24%, and 18.82% respectively.