A Simple and Fast Method for the Production and Characterization of Methylic and Ethylic Biodiesels from Tucum Oil via an Alkaline Route

Marcelo Firmino De Oliveira,Nelson Ramos Stradiotto,Andressa Tironi Vieira,Antônio Carlos Ferreira Batista,Hugo De Souza Rodrigues

doi:10.1155/2011/238474

Abstract

A simple, fast, and complete route for the production of methylic and ethylic biodiesel from tucum oil is described. Aliquots of the oil obtained directly from pressed tucum (pulp and almonds) were treated with potassium methoxide or ethoxide at 40°C for 40 min. The biodiesel form was removed from the reactor and washed with 0.1 M HCl aqueous solution. A simple distillation at 100°C was carried out in order to remove water and alcohol species from the biodiesel. The oxidative stability index was obtained for the tucum oil as well as the methylic and ethylic biodiesel at 6.13, 2.90, and 2.80 h, for storage times higher than 8 days. Quality control of the original oil and of the methylic and ethylic biodiesels, such as the amount of glycerin produced during the transesterification process, was accomplished by the TLC, GC-MS, and FT-IR techniques. The results obtained in this study indicate a potential biofuel production by simple treatment of tucum, an important Amazonian fruit.

Highlights

The search for alternative fuels to replace oil-derived energy sources has received increased attention worldwide over the last decades, since the oil crisis in the 20th century
The methylic route was more efficient for biodiesel production (75.1%) than the ethylic route (66.7%)
Both results allowed us to propose this methodology as an alternative route for biodiesel production

Summary

Introduction

The search for alternative fuels to replace oil-derived energy sources has received increased attention worldwide over the last decades, since the oil crisis in the 20th century. Interesting alternatives have been presented as possible substitutes for fossil fuels, such as fuel ethanol [1] and biofuels from animal and plant oils. Nowadays, these oils appear as a promising replacement for diesel oil, and special attention has been devoted to biodiesel [2]. These oils appear as a promising replacement for diesel oil, and special attention has been devoted to biodiesel [2] This biofuel consists of monoalkylesthers of long chain fatty acids, derived from plant or animal oils [2].

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Conclusion