Characterization and Glycerine Analysis of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Seed Oil and Biodiesel

Due to increased global warming and pollution, the use of biodiesel as alternative to biodiesel has become a widespread. The use of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) oil as a possible feedstock for biodiesel production was evaluated. The biodiesel was produced through transesterification with sodium hydroxide and gave a biodiesel yield of 94 wt.%. The fatty acid profile obtained by chromatography analyzer was mainly erucic acid 45.7 wt.%, linoleic acid 14.2 wt.% and linolenic acid 13.0 wt.% acids. The distillation characteristics show higher distillation temperature than diesel and the mineral elements in the oil and biodiesel are within the ASTM limits for biodiesel. The oil and biodiesel were characterized and they gave properties that are similar to those of fossil diesel and within the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 limits for biodiesel, which led to the conclusion that mustard seeds can be a viable source of feedstock for biodiesel production. The glycerin analysis shows the completeness of the transesterification process.