Conference article

Biodiesel production is a valuable process which needs a continued study and optimization process because of its environmentally advantageous attributes and its renewable nature. In India Neem tree is a widely grown crop; termed as Divine Tree due to its wide relevance in many areas of study. The present study is intended to consider aspects related to the feasibility of the production of biodiesel from neem oil. This report deals with biodiesel obtained from neem oil which are mono esters produced using transesterification process. The optimum conditions to achieve maximum yield of biodiesel were investigated at different temperatures and with different molar ratio of neem oil and methanol. The temperature increases yield of methyl ester at 55 ^oC and a molar ratio of 1:12 were found to be beneficial. From the obtained results it was apparent that the produced biodiesel fuel was within the recommended standards of biodiesel fuel. The fuel properties of biodiesel including kinematic viscosity and acid value were examined. The engine power and pollutant emissions characteristics under different biodiesel percentages were also studied. Experiments demonstrated that the biodiesel produced using neem oil could reduce smoke and Carbon monoxide emissions; significantly while the Nitrogen oxide emission changed slightly. Thus; the ester of this oil can be used as environment friendly alternative fuel for diesel engine.

Biodiesel; Transesterification; Methyl ester of neem oil; Emissions