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Methyl Esters (Biodiesel) from and Fatty Acid Profile of Gliricidia sepium Seed Oil

  • Original Paper
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Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society

Abstract

Increasing the supply of biodiesel by defining and developing additional feedstocks is important to overcome the still limited amounts available of this alternative fuel. In this connection, the methyl esters of the seed oil of Gliricidia sepium were synthesized and the significant fuel-related properties were determined. The fatty acid profile was also determined with saturated fatty acids comprising slightly more than 35 %, 16.5 % palmitic, 14.5 % stearic, as well as lesser amounts of even longer-chain fatty acids. Linoleic acid is the most prominent acid at about 49 %. Corresponding to the high content of saturated fatty acid methyl esters, cold flow is the most problematic property as shown by a high cloud point of slightly >20 °C. Otherwise, the properties of G. sepium methyl esters are acceptable for biodiesel use when comparing them to specifications in biodiesel standards but the problematic cold flow properties would need to be observed. The 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra of G. sepium methyl esters are reported.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Kevin R. Steidley for excellent technical assistance, Kim Ascherl for ICP analysis, and Dr. Karl Vermillion for obtaining the NMR spectra, all of USDA/ARS/NCAUR, and Dr. Michael S. Wibbens (Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX) for cetane number determination.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, US Department of Agriculture, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    Gerhard Knothe

  2. Biology Department, De La Salle University, Manila, The Philippines

    Maria Ellenita G. de Castro

  3. Department of Chemical Engineering, De La Salle University, Manila, The Philippines

    Luis F. Razon

Authors
  1. Gerhard Knothe
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  2. Maria Ellenita G. de Castro
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  3. Luis F. Razon
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Correspondence to Gerhard Knothe.

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Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Knothe, G., de Castro, M.E.G. & Razon, L.F. Methyl Esters (Biodiesel) from and Fatty Acid Profile of Gliricidia sepium Seed Oil. J Am Oil Chem Soc 92, 769–775 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-015-2634-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-015-2634-3

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