Production and Evaluation of Biodiesel from Sunflower (Helianthus annus) and Nigerseed Oil (Guizotia abyssinica)

Abstract

Various vegetable oils have been explored to make biodiesel (long chain fatty acid alkyl esters) in order to substitute/supplement the dwindling supplies of conventional diesel fuels. In the present study, Sunflower oil (Helianthus annus) and Nigerseed oil (Guizotia abyssinica) were transesterified with methanol using sodium hydroxide as catalyst to produce biodiesel. Blends of varying proportions of biodiesel and diesel were used to run a 4-stroke single cylinder internal combustion engine and significant improvements in engine performance and emission characteristics were observed. The results of these investigations clearly indicated that the partial substitution of diesel oil with biodiesel could be achieved with better performance and lower emission levels. This not only results in considerable economy but also decreases the usage of non-renewable and ecofriendly fuel.