Original Articles
V. N. Ariharan, V. N. Meena de
Abstract
Biodiesel is a biodegradable 100% natural energy alternative to petroleum fuel. It can be produced from the vegetable oils. Biodiesel contains no petroleum but it can be blended at any level with the petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. The oil obtained from the seeds of the False sesame is used as a source for biodiesel. False sesame (Ceratotheca sesamoides)is aslender erect annual herbbelonging to the family Pedaliaceae,which is commonly found in Africa. The False sesame seedwere collected and the oil was extracted by using ahydro-carbon solvent, Petroleum ether. The Physico chemical properties of the oil obtained from the seedsof False sesamehas been analyzed for its potential use as a Biodiesel. The physico-chemical properties were analyzed by blending the oil with the conventional diesel at 10% (B10) & 20% (B20) proportions and compared with that of diesel. The physico-chemical properties assessed includes, specific gravity, density, viscosity, flash point, fire point, cloud point, pour point, smoke point, pH, viscosity, carbon residue, saponification value, acid value, and iodine value. The results were presented and discussed in the present communication.