Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Neem Tree Oil for Internal Combustion Engine

Abstract The current challenges of fossil fuels have led to the need for alternative energy sources like biodiesel and biodiesel blends because they are renewable and environmentally friendly. This study investigates biodiesel production using neem oil as a feedstock that involved, oil extraction, moisture/FFA reduction then base transesterification reaction using the extracted neem seed oil. The physico-chemical and fuel properties of the neem seed oil biodiesel was analysed using standard analytical procedures. The effects of some operating variables were ascertained and its combustion performance was assessed in an internal combustion engine. The results reveal the optimum conditions for biodiesel production to be ratio 1:6 of oil to methanol and 1.5 h reaction time. The viscosity at this condition was 5.53 cSt. The same procedure was repeated for NaOCH3 catalyst concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25%. The lowest viscosity of 6.79 cSt was recorded at both 1 and 1.25% catalyst concentrations. The fuel properties of the biodiesel compared favourably with the recommendation by the American Standard Testing Method. The emissions of different blends showed that neem biodiesel has lower emissions of CO and NO than petrol diesel but higher NOX. Thus, neem oil as non-edible oil can be a good renewable raw material for biodiesel production in diesel engines and plants with little or no modification. Keywords: Neem tree oil, transesterification, biodiesel, internal Combustion