Potential Resources of Non-edible Oils for Biodiesel

Abstract

Alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acid are called biodiesel. These esters can be obtained from vegetable oils by transesterification with methanol/ethanol. Biodiesel derived from non-edible vegetable oil has good potential as an alternative diesel fuel. Biodiesel is an attractive alternative fuel because it is environmentally friendly and can be synthesized from edible and non-edible oils. A large variety of plants that produce non-edible oils can be considered for biodiesel production. The non-edible oils, such as jatropha, microalgae, neem, karanja, rubber seed, mahua, silk cotton tree, etc., are easily available in developing countries and are very economical comparable to edible oils.