Physicochemical Characterization of Eco-friendly Rice Bran Oil Biodiesel

In this study, rice bran (husk), an abundant and waste product of the rice milling industry, is analyzed for biodiesel production. Rice bran contains 20% oil, which is non-edible. An optimum production (57%) of biodiesel was achieved through base- (NaOH and KOH) catalyzed transesterification reaction. Fuel properties of transesterified rice bran oil, chemically known as methyl ester (biodiesel), was compared with biodiesel standards on American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM). The fuel properties of rice bran biodiesel 100% are specific density @ 15 degrees C, 0.8920; kinematic viscosity @ 40 degrees C, 4.68; flash point, 88 degrees C; sulphur contents, wt% Nil; pour point, -11 degrees C; and cloud point, -10 degrees C. The fuel properties of biodiesel blends B5, B10, B20, and B50 were much closer to high-speed diesel. Analytical techniques, such as GC-MS, NMR, and FT-IR, were used for determination of the chemical composition of biodiesel. This study suggests that rice bran oil is a feasible source for production of biodiesel, and its fuel properties favor it to be used as renewable energy.