Sesame seed oil was investigated as an alternative feedstock
for the production of a biodiesel fuel. Although the
oil content of sesame seeds varies widely, (37–63%), the
average percentage of oleic and linoleic acid content in
the sesame germplasms and cultivars is very similar
(41.3% and 43.7%, respectively) (Baydar et al., 1999). A
maximum conversion of 74% (oil to ester) was achieved
using 100% excess methanol, i.e. molar ratio of methanol
to oil is 6:1 and catalyst (NaOH) concentration of 0.5%
at 60 C. Sesame oil is used as the raw oil to be mixed with
methyl alcohol in a molar ratio of 1:6, and the mixture then
undergoes transesterification reaction in order to produce
biodiesel.