Optimization and effect of varying catalyst concentration and trans-esterification temperature on the yield of biodiesel production from palm kernel oil and groundnut oil

The negative environmental impact generated by fossil fuel has resulted in the demand to search for alternative routes of renewable sources energy, such as biodiesel, that have unlimited duration while having little or no hazardous impact. In this study, trans-esterification palm kernel oil and groundnut was carried out using sodium methoxide (CH3ONa) a catalyst. effect varying Sodium Methoxide catalyst concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) % w/v at temperatures (50, 55, 60) oC on yield biodiesel from determined. This identify concentration temperature with optimal process yield. gave optimum yields 98% 84% volume reaction conditions 0.5%w/v CH3ONa catalyst, 55oC, 360 rpm mixing rate time 90 minutes. produced analyzed properties ASTM standard, results obtained were follows; specific gravity (0.8835, 0.8815 15oC), flash point (98, 124) oC, viscosity (5.2, 7.6) mm2S-1 respectively.