A simple method for extraction of Ricinus communis L. oil and its application for biodiesel production by ethylic route

Abstract

Biodiesel is a clean fuel, and an alternative to the environmental complications ascribed to fossil fuels. However, the forms of its production are still the object of research in the literature because some issues related to its process improvement and economical viability remain a challenge. Consequently, this research aims to produce biodiesel by the ethylic route from Ricinus communis L. oil extracted with a simple solid liquid extraction method without the use of the soxhled extractor and inspired from rural communities practices. In this sense, Ricinus communis L. was extracted by n-hexane as solvent, obtaining biodiesel through ethyl transesterification via alkaline catalysis. The characterization of biodiesel in terms of—acid value (AV), combustibility and corrosivity to copper. The results indicated that the yield of the extracted oil was 14% in relation to the mass of seeds used, the value of the AV was 0.96 mg NaOH/g, showing in this case that the oil can be used in the transesterification process to obtain biodiesel. The biodiesel yield obtained was 37% and the AV was 1.98 mg NaOH/g, being considered above the acceptable value for its use in diesel engines, and should be neutralized to at least 0.8 mg NaOH/g. Based on this work, biodiesel was obtained via ethyl esterification of Ricinus communis L. oil extracted from a simple and easy method.