Analysis of Fat Content of Six Types of Rambutan Seeds (Nephelium lappaceum L.) As Biodiesel Raw Material

Abstract

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a fruit plant from Indonesia with potential from roots, leaves, bark, fruit skin, and flesh, but the seeds are not utilized and become waste. Rambutan seeds contain fatty acids that have the potential as biodiesel, so it can be used as an energy substitute for depleting oil as well as reduce the environmental impact. This study aims to determine the best oil content of the six types of rambutan seeds (antalagi, binjai, garuda, lebak bulus, rapiah and sibatuk ganal) that have the potential as biodiesel feedstock. The process of this research was carried out using the Soxhlet method from Woodman 1941. The results showed that the oil yield of the six types of rambutan seeds was between 22.8% and 36.65%. The Sibatuk ganal type obtained the lowest yield, while the best yield was for garuda rambutan seeds, at 36.65%. However, constrained by its availability as a raw material for biodiesel, Binjai type rambutan seeds are an alternative and more efficient if developed as biodiesel compared to the other five types of rambutan. The test of Binjai type rambutan seed oil obtained sulfur values, calorific values (HHV and LHV), and freezing point values according to SNI biodiesel, while the boiling point values are below SNI biodiesel.