Thermophysical properties of castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) biodiesel and its blends

Biodiesel (methyl ester) was produced from Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) using NaOH and CH3OH by the two-step transesterification method. Nine different fuel blends (2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 75 vol.% blending with diesel) were prepared. The density values of Castor Oil Biodiesel (COB) and its blends were measured at 0°C to 93°C temperature range, as well as their kinematic viscosity values at 30°C to 100°C temperature range in the steps of 5°C. The density, kinematic viscosity, calorific value, flash point, pH, copper strip corrosion, and H2O content of COB were 932.40 kg/cu m, 15.069 mm2/s, 38.600 MJ/kg, 182°C, 7, 1a and 1067.7 mg/kg-1, respectively. The density and kinematic viscosity of fuel samples decreased as temperature increases. These thermophysical properties decreased due to the increase in the amount of diesel in the blends