Production and characterization of biodiesel from coconut extract (Cocos nucifera)

In this study, oil was extracted from coconut. The extracted oil was used to produce biodiesel and the oil and the biodiesel produced were characterised. Biodiesel fuels are alternative diesel fuels usually obtained from renewable sources, mainly, vegetable and animal oils. Oil was extracted from coconuts bought from a local market in Wukari Taraba State, Nigeria, by means of the solvent method. The extracted coconut oil was then characterized. This showed that the coconut oil has a density of 0.91 g, viscosity of 23 mm2/s, saponification value of 191 mg KOH/g, iodine value of 10 mgl2/g, acid value 1of 4.0 mg KOH/g and flash point of 266 °C. The biodiesel of the oil was produced using a transesterification process. The biodiesel was also characterized. Results obtained showed that the biodiesel has a density of 0.89 g, viscosity of 2.83 mm2/s, acid value of 0.18 mg KOH/g, saponification value of 91 mg KOH/g, iodine value of 8 mgl2/g, acid value of 0.18 mg KOH/g and flash point of 110 °C. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesel produce from coconut oil is comparable with that of standard biodiesel in the range of ASTM specifications.