Influence of Jatropha Fruit Maturity on Seed Oil Yield, Composition and Heat of Combustion of Derived Biodiesel

Abstract

Maturity of Jatropha fruits has influence on oil yield, chemical composition and physicochemical properties of derived biodiesel. Oil yield was determined using soxhlet extraction while biodiesel was prepared through the process of transesterification. Fatty acid profile was determined according to test method EN 14103 using Agilent Technologies GC System 7890. The calorific value of biodiesel was determined using Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter, IKA C200 according to test method ASTM D5865. Results showed that Yellow Jatropha fruit seeds have the highest oil yield and energy content, coupled with the best mix of fatty acid methyl esters.