Characterization and Transesterification of Allanblackia Flouribunda Oil Seed for synthesis of Biodiesel

The oil was extracted from the seed of Nigerian Allanblackia floribunda using solvent extraction method. The extracted oil was characterized and used for synthesis of biodiesel through Akali-based transesterification process. Properties of the produced biodiesel were carried out. Physicochemical properties as well as fatty acid profile of the oil extracted were measured and the results obtained showed that the oil is edible, non-drying and saturated in nature and could serve as feedstock for many industrial purposes. The viscosity of oil was 30mm²/sec-¹, density 914kg/m³, smoke point 210ºC, freeze point 270ºC, cloud point 25ºC and refractive index of 1.45Nd60. Transesterification was carried at a temperature of 60ºC for 80 minutes with 6:1 mole ratio of the methanol to the oil and 1gram of desired base as heterogeneous catalyst. Results obtained from physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel were compared with ASTM and EN standards the values compared well. The fuel properties of the biodiesel produced not the standard range and yield of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) obtained was 96.81%. The study supports the synthesis of biodiesel from Allalnblackia Floribunda seed oil as alternative to the fossil fuel.