A Novel Route of Mixed Catalysis for Production of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters from Potential Seed Oil Sources

Depleting petroleum resources coupled with the environmental consequences of fossil fuel combustion have led to search for renewable alternatives, such as biodiesel. In this study, sunflower (Helianthus annus), mustard (Brassica compestres) and pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) seed oils were converted into biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) by acid-, base- lipase-catalyzed transesterification, resultant properties determined. The esters displayed superior iodine values (102–139), low densities, a high cetane number (CN). highest yield was obtained from oil, which provided cloud (CP) pour (PP) points −3.5 5 °C, respectively, CN 53. oil had density 0.81–0.86 kg/L at 16 CP 2 PP −8 47. yielded 0.87–0.89 kg/L, 4 °C −5 46. major fatty acids identified in sunflower, mustard, linolenic (49.2%), oleic (82.2%), linoleic (73.9%), respectively. present study reports ideal PP, extend use commercial level.