Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Analysis of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester from Congolese Non-Edible Afzelia bella Seeds Oil

Abstract

As the oils used for biodiesel production face food competition, many scientific research is now focusing on the upgrading of non-conventional oils, which are not edibles. This study consisted in revalorizing of Congolese nonedible Afzelia bella seeds oil as raw materials for the biodiesel production. Afzelia bella seeds oil was extracted with oil yield of 26.38±0.22% and subsequently transesterified by alkali-catalyst using methanol with KOH as catalyst. The maximum yield of the obtained Diacetylenic Light Fuel Oil was 96.53% and FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of fatty acid methyl esters in the produced biodiesel. The FTIR spectrum of Diacetylenic Light Fuel Oil revealed the following characteristics functional groups: Carbonyl group stretching (C=O), Methyl asymmetric bending (CH3) and Methoxy group stretching (O-CH3) with the peaks at 1743.94, 1436.11 and 1197.38 cm-1, respectively. Physicochemical properties (Kinematic viscosity, density, flash point, Cetane number, cloud point, pour point, water contents, ash and sulfur contents) values of Biodiesel (B100), and biodiesel blend in Gasoil (B50 and B20), were within the range of values set by the international standards specifications of diesel and biodiesel (American Society of Testing Materials and European Standard). Thus, these three produced biodiesels (B100, B50 and B20) from the Congolese Afzelia bella seeds oil could be used as a substitute for diesel without damaging the engine.