“Characterization of Biodiesels Produced using Mixed Base Catalyst by Gas Chromatography & FTIR Spetroscopy”

Abstract

In this study, fish oil & cottonseed oils were used to produce their individual methyl esters using a mixed base catalyst (Sodium hydroxide & di-sodium phosphate). The produced biodiesels were characterized to check the quality of biodiesel and to establish the feasibility of using the mixed base catalyst for production of biodiesels. The biodiesel was characterized by FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectrometry) and GC (Gas Chromatography) tests and the other important properties of biodiesel were found out and compared with that of diesel. FTIR test confirms complete conversion of biodiesel from individual oils and the fuel properties were found to be within the range prescribed in ASTM standards. GC analysis has shown presence of more unsaturated fatty acids in cottonseed oil and less in fish oil biodiesel throwing some light on the stability of the fuels. The present characterization studies has established the potential use of mixed base catalyst during transesterification reactions.