Production and Characterization of Jatropha Oil Methyl Ester

Biodiesel is emerging as a promising substitute of an alternative fuel and has gained significant attention due to the predicted depletion of conventional fuels availability in near future and environmental pollution concern. Utilization of biodiesel produced from Jatropha oil by transesterification process is one of the most promising options to replace conventional fossil diesel fuel. The physical properties such as density, Kinematic viscosity, flash point, carbon residue, Pour point and Cetane number were found out for diesel, Jatropha oil and Jatropha Oil Methyl Ester (JOME) produced in the laboratory. Properties obtained for the Jatropha oil methyl ester are very closely matched with the values of conventional diesel fuel and can be used without any modification in the existing diesel engine.