Comparative Evaluation of Madhuca Longifolia and Jatropha Curcas Extracted Biodiesel.

Abstract In order to fulfil the growing need to replace fossil fuels, investigations exploring the production of biodiesel from agricultural biomass have gained attention. The purpose behind this study is to examine the efficiency of biodiesel extracted from Madhuca longifolia and Jatropha curcas by means of pre-treatment followed by two step acid-base homogeneous catalyst method. The Madhuca and Jatropha biodiesels were blended with diesel at different percentages. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a strong presence of fatty acid profile, and triglyceride ester linkage at 1744 cm− 1. UV–Vis spectra confirmed the presence of conjugated dienes in the extracted biodiesels. UV absorbance at 320 nm decreases linearly with blend percentage. 1HNMR and 13C NMR confirmed the presence of methyl ester moiety at 3.6 ppm and methoxy carbon at 51.2 ppm in biodiesel distinguishing it from diesel. Raman spectra exhibited C = O stretching at 1725 cm− 1 indicating conversion of Madhuca and Jatropha oil into biodiesel. The engine performance and emission tests of these biodiesels were evaluated. In the engine performance tests, the variations of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), exhaust gas temperature (EGT), and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) versus brake power were studied. The emission tests of different blends were done in terms of carbon mono-oxide, nitrous oxide, and unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC). The Jatropha biodiesel exhibited less mean BSFC, EGT and emitted less CO and UHC than Madhuca biodiesel. The average decrease in BTE was more in Jatropha biodiesel than Madhuca biodiesel.