Optimized Neem – Karanja Hybrid Biodiesel Production Using Karanja Seed Shells/CuO–NaOH Nanocatalyst and Analysis of their Physico-chemical Properties

The main aim of the present investigation is to prepare biodiesel from neem and karanja bio oil through base-catalysed esterification process using heterogeneous Karanja Seed Shells (KSS)/CuO-NaOH nanocatalyst and methanol. The KSS/CuO-NaOH nanocatalyst was prepared by employing deposition precipitation method. A central rotatable composite design was developed using response surface methodology with the operating influential parameters like methanol to oil molar ratio, KSS/CuO nanocatalyst concentration, reaction duration, reaction temperature and agitation speed. Volumetric fractions of derived neem and karanja biodiesel were prepared by using ultrasonication technique and their physicochemical properties like density, specific gravity, kinematic viscosity, acid value, calorific value, cetane number, Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content, moisture content, iodine value, flash point and fire point were determined using ASTM methods. The hybrid blend N40:K60 (Neem biodiesel 40% and Karanja biodiesel 60%) showed an optimized kinematic viscosity of 4.652 mm2/sec at 40℃ and a density of 860 kg/m3 at 15℃. The calorific value and cetane number were also found to be higher with improved flash and fire points. Therefore, the derived (N40:K60) hybrid blend was found to be suitable for its usage in compression ignition engine without any modifications.