The rocket seed oil biodiesel (RSOB) was synthesized by the base-catalyzed transesterification with methanol and was confirmed by FT-IR and NMR analyses. The chemical composition of methyl esters was determined by GC/MS analysis. Eleven fatty acid methyl esters were identified in RSOB ranging from C16 to C24 by chromatographic retention time data and verified by mass fragmentation pattern.
The determined dynamic and kinematic viscosities, cloud point, pour point and flash point of the RSOB were within the ASTM (D6751) limits for biodiesel.
A significantly lower acid number
of RSOB as compared to the ASTM standards indicates that it has the least ability to corrode the engine.
From the physico-chemical properties of RSOB, it is concluded that this biodiesel could be a good substitute of petro-diesel.