The Jatropha oil methyl ester samples were characterized by
IR and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy for functional groups. The purity and ester (product)
conversion (%) was determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) technique, which consists of the PL gel column
(5 nm diameter of 600 7.5 mm dimensions) and refractive
index detector operated with 1 cm3 min1 flow rate of THF as
carrier solvent. GPC technique provides separation of
components on the basis of molecular weight/size and helpful
in monitoring of conversion of oil into biodiesel. Physicochemical properties of Jatropha methyl ester like TAN,
viscosity etc. were analyzed as per standard ASTM test
methods