Characterization of Crude, Bleached Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) Seed Oil and Synthesis of its Methyl Ester Using Soy-Bean (Glycine max) Lipase as Biocatalyst

Abstract

Biodiesel is one of the alternatives to fossil fuels derived from vegetables and plant sources. This paper reports biodiesel production from rubber seed oil (Hevea brasiliensis) via soybean lipase-catalyzed transesterification. 86.62% biodiesel and 27.21% glycerol yield were obtained at lipase activity of 24375 IU ascertained by the titrimetric method. 80% ammonium sulfate saturation was used to precipitate lipase. The pellet showed 376250 IU lipase loading, oil to methanol equivalent molar ratio of 5:1, and under 24 hours. The physicochemical properties of the crude, bleached oil, and biodiesel such as peroxide, acid, anisidine, saponification, and fatty acid values were analyzed. The flashpoints recorded were 80.5±1.5 °C, 97±5 °C, and 56±0 °C respectively; it is safer than fossil diesel since it is not ≤ 50ºC. The saponification values (SV) were 62.3, 61.7, and 103.8±2.4 mgKOH/g. Since little quantity of soap in biodiesel can minimize the friction occurring in moving parts and enhance fuel pump purity, it could be employed in running a compression engine. Enzymatic transesterification of rubber seed oil gives a high yield of biodiesel with robust properties suitable for automobile application.