Cetane number is indicative of its ignition characteristics.
The cetane number measures how easily ignition
occurs and the smoothness of combustion. Higher the
cetane number better it is in its ignition properties. Cetane
number affects a number of engine performance parameters
like combustion, stability, drivability, white smoke, noise
and emissions of CO and HC (Ramadhas et al., 2006;
Meher et al., 2006). Biodiesel has higher cetane number
than conventional diesel fuel, which results in higher combustion
efficiency. The cetane number of biodiesel varies
widely in the range of 48–67 depending upon various
parameters including oil processing technology and climatic
conditions where feedstock is collected. Cetane number
of the biodiesel sample produced in this work has been
found 50.48.