Journal of
Petroleum Technology and Alternative Fuels

  • Abbreviation: J. Pet. Technol. Altern. Fuels
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2360-8560
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPTAF
  • Start Year: 2010
  • Published Articles: 69

Full Length Research Paper

Fatty acid profile and quality parameters of Ceiba pentandra (L.) seed oil: A potential source of biodiesel

Papin Sourou MONTCHO
  • Papin Sourou MONTCHO
  • Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin.
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Leopold TCHIAKPE
  • Leopold TCHIAKPE
  • Unité Mixte de Formation Continue en Santé, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Aix-Marseille, France.
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Guevara NONVIHO
  • Guevara NONVIHO
  • Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin.
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Fifa Theomaine Diane BOTHON
  • Fifa Theomaine Diane BOTHON
  • Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin.
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Assou SIDOHOUNDE
  • Assou SIDOHOUNDE
  • Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin.
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Cokou Pascal AGBANGNAN DOSSA
  • Cokou Pascal AGBANGNAN DOSSA
  • Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin.
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David BESSIERES
  • David BESSIERES
  • CNRS /TOTAL/UNIV PAU & PAYS ADOUR/ E2S UPPA, Laboratory of Complex Fluids and Their Reservoirs-IPRA, UMR5150, 64000, PAU, France.
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Anna CHROSTOWSKA
  • Anna CHROSTOWSKA
  • CNRS/ Univ Pau & Pays Adour/ E2S UPPA, Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physicochemistry for Environment and Materials, UMR5254, 64000, Pau, France.
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Dominique Codjo Koko SOHOUNHLOUE
  • Dominique Codjo Koko SOHOUNHLOUE
  • Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin.
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  •  Received: 17 October 2018
  •  Accepted: 29 November 2018
  •  Published: 31 December 2018

Abstract

The probable depletion of fossil energy resources has led the international scientific community to direct research towards biofuels, including vegetable oils. Benin has a rich biodiversity with multiple oilseed species, potential sources of biofuels. Among these, Ceiba pentandra was identified and selected for a detailed study of its unconventional vegetable oil. In this order of idea, the harvested seeds were dried in the sun and crushed. It was preserved at 25°C according to the NF T 60 – 201, 1993 standard. The physicochemical parameters and fatty acids content of C. pentandra vegetable oil have been determined by standard methods. The biofuel potential of this vegetable oil has also been evaluated. The results revealed that C. pentandra vegetable oil is predominant in saturated (40.8%) and polyunsaturated (41.37%) fatty acids. The saturated fatty acids quantified are stearic (20.17%) and palmitic (19.77%), while the most important polyunsaturated fatty acids are linoleic acid (C18:2) (20.95%) and linolelaidic acid (18.28%). Quality indices such as acid (4.52 ± 0.24 mg KOH/g-Oil), peroxide (2.16 ± 0.54 meq O2/kg-Oil), saponification (152.79 ± 6.07 mg KOH/g-Oil), iodine (129.79 ± 2.81 mg I2/100 g-Oil) and ester (148.27 ± 5.83 mg KOH/g-Oil) shall comply with the recommended standards for biofuels. These values of quality indices coupled with those of lower calorific value (LCV) (ï‚» 40002.26 kJ/kg), refractive index (ï‚» 1.4728 at 30°C) and cetane index (ï‚» 49.70) make it possible to consider the use of this vegetable oil as a fuel oil.

Key words: Ceiba pentandra, vegetable oil, quality indexes, fatty acids, fuel properties, Benin.