Amalgamation and Optimization of FAEE Biodiesel Fuel from Croton macrostachyus hochst. ex Delile Seed oil Utilizing Solid Calcium Oxide-Chicken Eggshell Squander as a Heterogeneous Catalyst

Identifcation of better yielding nonedible feedstocks and process improvements with locally prepared chemicals is the way forward for improving biodiesel economic viability. Synthesis of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) biodiesel from Croton macrostachyus hochst. ex delile (C. M.) seed oil is investigated through the transesterifcation method including oil extraction and CaOchicken eggshell waste as a heterogeneous catalyst and ethanol, which has not yet been investigated earlier. Te efects of catalyst load from 2% to 6% (w/w) of the weight of oil, ethanol to oil ratio from 9 :1 to 12 :1(v/v), reaction temperature from 60 to 80℃, and reaction time variation from 0.45 to 2 hr have been explored. Te yield has been investigated, with the oil content of the C. M. seed being 46.85% realized through the solvent extraction route. Te central composite design (CCD) using a design expert is employed to investigate the efects of diferent process parameters for biodiesel synthesis and to fnd the optimum conditions for maximizing the yield. Te conversion to biodiesel via the calcium oxide-heterogeneous catalyzed transesterifcation route has achieved 91% yield under the optimum conditions. Te optimum result predicted by the model is found to be 91.036% at a catalyst loading of 5.802 wt.%, reaction temperature of 76.117℃, a reaction time of 1.969 hr, and ethanol to oil molar ratio of 11.55 with a desirability value of 1.000. Te FTIR spectrum confrms the composition and functional groups of synthesized biodiesel under optimum reaction conditions. Physicochemical properties of synthesized C. M. biodiesel are determined, and the results when compared with the biodiesel standard specifcations are within the range prescribed. Te result showed that C. M. could be a very viable feedstock for the biodiesel industry, which could be exploited as an alternative fuel source.