Biodiesel Production Through Base Catalyzed Transesterification of Peach (Prunus persica L.) Kernel Oil

Abstract

The peach (Prunus persica L.) is related to the Rosaceae family. It may occur in temperate regions and subtropical climates across the world. In terms of output and planted area, it is the second-largest stone fruit in Pakistan, trailing only apricot. The peach kernel is a high-oil source that is not edible. Its biodiesel-producing properties can be commercially utilized. Peach kernel crude oil was extracted using n-hexane and contained 29.36%. Physical extraction yielded 32.43 % crude oil extracted from peach kernels. The moisture content in peach kernels was 4.24 %. The main parameters that influence biodiesel yield include the molar ratio, the moisture and water content, the temperature of the reaction, and the reaction interval, among others. The oil has an acid rate of 1.53, a catalogue temperature of 1.47 at 30 degrees Celsius, and a definite magnitude of 0.91 at 30 degrees Celsius. The most abundant fatty acid was oleic acid (63.7%), followed by linoleic acid (26.0%). Biodiesel was made with the help of peach oil by trans-esterifying it with methanol in the presence of a base (KOH) catalyst. Vital biodiesel fuel parameters, such as thickness, flash point, specific gravity, and so on, were calculated and associated with ASTM standards. The fuel characteristics of biodiesel are equivalent to those of fossil diesel. This study supports biodiesel generation from peach kernel oil as a viable substitute for diesel production. Additional stability is needed to make biodiesel at the lowest possible price.