title: Microwave assisted alkali-catalyzed transesterification of Pongamia pinnata seed oil for biodiesel production.
abstract: In this study, microwave assisted transesterification of Pongamia pinnata seed oil was carried out for the production of biodiesel. The experiments were carried out using methanol and two alkali catalysts i.e., sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The experiments were carried out at 6:1 alcohol/oil molar ratio and 60°C reaction temperature. The effect of catalyst concentration and reaction time on the yield and quality of biodiesel was studied. The result of the study suggested that 0.5% sodium hydroxide and 1.0% potassium hydroxide catalyst concentration were optimum for biodiesel production from P. pinnata oil under microwave heating. There was a significant reduction in reaction time for microwave induced transesterification as compared to conventional heating.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Wood Science and Technology, 18th Cross Malleswaram, Bangalore 560003, India. ritesh@icfre.org
authors.forename: Ritesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: G Ravi
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chandrashekar
mesh_terms: D000468:Alkalies / Q000494:pharmacology*; D056804:Biofuels / Q000600:supply & distribution; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002384:Catalysis / Q000187:drug effects; D004951:Esterification / Q000187:drug effects; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008872:Microwaves; D033641:Millettia / Q000737:chemistry*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000378:metabolism*; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000468:Alkalies; D056804:Biofuels; D006878:Hydroxides; D010938:Plant Oils; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; C029943:potassium hydroxide