Optimization, Transesterification and Analytical Study of Rhus typhina Non-Edible Seed Oil as Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Production of biodiesel from non-edible oils is one of the effective methods to reduce production costs and alleviate the obstacle of traditional raw material supply. Rhus typhina L. (RT) is a promising non-edible plant because it grows fast and has abundant seeds. But previously reported oil content of RT was only 9.7% and 12%. Further research into improving the biodiesel production of RT seed oil is urgently needed. Here we obtained the biodiesel production of RT with a maximum oil content of 22% with a low free fatty acid content of 1.0%. The fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) of the RT seed oil was produced by a standard optimized protocol use KOH as a catalyst with the highest yield of 93.4% (w/w). The quality and purity of RT FAMEs, as well as the physio-chemical characterizations of the biodiesel products, were investigated and compared with the international standard of ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. The values of fuel properties are comparable with mineral diesel and environmentally friendly. Overall, the proposed RT seed oil could be a potential source of raw materials for producing high-quality biodiesel after the optimization and transesterification.