Parametric Optimization of Kapok (Ceiba Pentandra) Oil Methyl Ester Production using Taguchi Approach

Utilization of new feedstock for biodiesel production has
been explored. In this research, Kapok seed oil (KSO) with scientific
name of Ceiba Pentandra has been used for synthesizing the
biodiesel. The extraction of KSO gives about 22-25% wt/wt of oil.
Pre-treatment of KSO has been done using esterification process with
the presence of acid catalyst and transesterification of KOS is carried
out after the pre-treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as base
catalyst. The biodiesel property of Kapok oil methyl ester (KOME)
has been characterized and it shows that KOME meets the properties
of biodiesel as stated in standard method of ASTM D6751 and
EN14214.