Utilization of Mahogany Seed Oil as a Renewable Feedstock for Cleaner Biodiesel Production

Abstract

This study examines the potential of Mahogany Seed Oil (MSO) as a non-edible feedstock for biodiesel production, providing an eco-friendly substitute for petroleum-based fuels. The FFA content of the oil was reduced to zero using acid-catalyzed esterification, followed by base-catalyzed transesterification to convert the esterified product into monoesters and glycerol. Various parameters such as solvent and catalyst quantity, temperature and reaction time were optimized to enhance conversion efficiency. The properties of MSO and MSO biodiesel, including heating value, were compared to those of commercial diesel. LC-MS analysis confirmed the conversion of MSO to biodiesel, and the oxidative stability of MSO biodiesel was evaluated. Key oil characteristics, including saponification, iodine, FFA, peroxide and acid values, fell within acceptable ranges compared to another biodiesel feedstocks. The study concludes that MSO represents a promising source for biodiesel production, offering an alternative to conventional diesel fuel. This research provides valuable insights into the potential utilization of non-edible feedstock’s like Swietenia mahogany in future transportation fuel applications.

Keywords:Swietenia mahogany; Soxhlet extraction; Transesterification; Free fatty acid; Antioxidant; Biodiesel

Abbreviations:PM: Particulate Matter; MSO: Mahogany Seed Oil; EV: Electric Vehicles; HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicles; PHEV: Plug in Electric Vehicles; BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle; FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles; S. MAHOGANY: Swietenia Mahogany; FFA: Free Fatty Acid; FAME: Fatty Acid Methyl Ester; SVO: Straight Vegetable Oil; LC-MS: Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry