Prospects for biodiesel production from Macrotermes nigeriensis: Process optimization and characterization of biodiesel properties

The use of insects as feedstock for biodiesel production has sparsely been studied and very little is known the fuel properties engine performance insect biodiesel. In this study, was initially produced from an M. nigeriensis, then its physicochemical were characterized. via three-step process lipid extraction, acid esterification (1 wt% H2SO4) alkaline transesterification (0.5 NaOH). optimal reaction time, temperature methanol-oil molar ratio acid-esterification resulted in a free fatty conversion 96.58%. volumetric yield, methyl esters content nigeriensis analyzed using various analytical equipment such GC-HRMS, 1H NMR. Analysis showed that 86.54 vol% obtained oil. Further analysis contained 96.72% esters. composition found to be 48% saturated 52% monosaturated density (841 kg m?3), viscosity (2.32 mm2 s?1), flash point (125 °C), pour (?15 cetane number (51.4), higher heating value (41.8 MJ kg?1) (0.44 mgKOH.g?1) compliance with ASTM D6751 standards. One important results highlight remarkably low biodiesel, which attributed high concentration monounsaturated Lower helps improve atomization combustion efficiency, hence lower emissions. absence polyunsaturated also indicates will have good oxidation stability.