Production of Biodiesel from Pork Lard Using Potassium Hydroxide as Catalyst

Biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel fuel. It can be derived from a range of feedstocks, including animal-based fats. This study explored the production of biodiesel from pork lard through a transesterification process utilizing potassium hydroxide as the catalyst. The transesterification was carried out at 60°C for 3 hours, with a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6:1 and a catalyst loading of 3 g KOH per 500 ml of oil. The biodiesel yield obtained after purification was approximately 85% by volume. The extracted oil exhibited properties suitable for biodiesel production, including moderate unsaturation (iodine value: 94.65) and low acid value (0.54 mg KOH/g). The resulting biodiesel met the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for flash point (156°C), kinematic viscosity (4.65 mm²/s), and density (865 kg/m³). Notably, the cetane number (57.6) surpassed the minimum requirement and rivaled that of petroleum diesel, indicating excellent ignition quality. Favorable cold flow properties (pour point: -5°C, cloud point: -4°C) suggest suitability for moderate climates. Pork lard biodiesel presents a promising alternative fuel source, warranting further investigation into feedstock variability and production optimization.