Obtaining and characterization of biodiesel by transesterification from sunflower oil

Abstract

The present work proposes the process for obtaining biodiesel from the transesterification of commercial sunflower oil. Characterization of the oil was carried out considering the acidity index, the peroxide index, the humidity, and the density, using the test method established by the Ecuadorian Technical Standard. To obtain biodiesel, the oil was transesterified, a process in which a triglyceride reacted with an alcohol to form esters and glycerol. The biodiesel obtained was characterized according to ASTM and EN standards. Parameters such as density, kinematic viscosity, humidity, and acid number were analyzed at 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min. It is concluded that sunflower oil is a good alternative for obtaining biodiesel, being within the established international standards.