Abstract
•Properties of M. peregrina biodiesel are determined for the first time.•Biodiesel was produced easily by alkaline transesterification in one step.•The effect of diesel on the properties of biodiesel was examined.•M. peregrina is a potential crop for sustainable production of biodiesel.
Moringaceae is a monogeneric family with a single genus i.e. Moringa. This family includes 13 species. All these species are known as medicinal, nutritional and water purification agents. This study reports, for the first time, on characterization of the biodiesel derived from crude Moringaperegrina seed oil and its blends with diesel. The crude oil was converted to biodiesel by the transesterification reaction, catalyzed by potassium hydroxide. High ester content (97.79%) was obtained. M. peregrina biodiesel exhibited high oxidative stability (24.48h). Moreover, the major fuel properties of M. peregrina biodiesel conformed to the ASTM D6751 standards. However, kinematic viscosity (4.6758mm2/s), density (876.2kg/m3) and flash point (156.5°C) were found higher than that of diesel fuel. In addition, the calorific value of M. peregrina biodiesel (40.119MJ/kg) was lower than the diesel fuel. The fuel properties of M. peregrina biodiesel were enhanced significantly by blending with diesel fuel. In conclusion, M. peregrina is a suitable feedstock for sustainable production of biodiesel only blended up to 20% with diesel fuel, considering the edibility of all other parts of this tree.