Comparative Case-study and Testing of Moringa oleifera Seed-oil as Biodiesel Fuel Feedstock

Abstract

Development of first, second and third generation of biodiesel fuels in Africa has been under serious research though with emphasis more on biofuels while biomass and algae are still emerging. The present study explores the prospects and potentials of Moringa oleifera seed-oils as a viable and sustaining second generation biodiesel alternative for use in internal combustion engines and other applications. Chemophysical properties, FT-IR and GC-MS determination, oil yields, thermal and gaseous emission characteristics, rheological and combustion parameters were explored and evaluated in comparison with other known feedstocks in conformity with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Higher oil recovery and quality (having oleic acid, a major fatty acid component of biodiesel ˃ 70%), production of the highest grades of biodiesel and glycerine by-product, no direct competition with food crops, more sustainable biodiesel feedstock than Jatropha oil (currently the world’s best option), better oxidative stability than most feedstocks, fast plant growth and growability in all Southern African regions, semi-arid, subtropical, semi-nutritious, saline and waste lands of the world characterize Moringa plant feedstock also known as the miracle plant/tree. As a new player in the alternative fuel market, its global potential is massive even as it is projected to be Japan and Korea’s dominant source of biodiesel for automobiles within the next fifty years. Southern Africa may trail behind with establishment of plantations and processing facilities.