Abstract:
The fact that fossil energy reserves are limited coupled with the environmental pressure resulting from their use
has encouraged research on biodiesel and other biofuels. Biodiesel is a nontoxic, biodegradable and renewable
source of energy made by the transesterification of oils or fats with short chain alcohols. This study was focused on
the use of Passiflora edulis seed oil (Passion fruit).This oil was obtained from an industrial fruit juice processing
waste. The oil was evaluated as a good potential feedstock for production of biodiesel. In this study Passiflora
edulis seed oil was successfully transesterified using methanol and KOH as a catalyst.A biodiesel yield of 80% was
obtained. The biodiesel had a viscosity of 4.60 mm
2
/s, acid value 0.45 mgKOH/g, density of 0.89g/ml, colour 1.60,
water content 0.2%, copper strip corrosion-No tarnish, and flash point > 150
0
C .The fuel parameters measured
were within range according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and International Standards
Organization (ISO) test methods apart from the percentage water content.
