E.E. Mak-Mensah
This work studied the feasibility of blending two biodiesels made from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and neem seed (Azadirachta indica juss) oils without the need for diesel for blending. A comparative study on the physicochemical properties of the blend was done. Oils were transesterified before blending. For neem biodiesel, the values for these parameters were density, 900.3 kg/mm³, viscosity, 15.631 mm²/s, acid value, 2.198 and % free fatty acid (FFA), 1.099 and 876 kg/mm³, 3.0 mm²/s, 0.374 and 0.187 respectively for coconut biodiesel. Upon blending the fuel properties were significantly modified and conformed to standard specifications. Fossil diesel was used as a control. The density, flash point, sulphur content, viscosity and cetane number for blend were 897.3 kg/mm³, 171°C, 0.1168°C, 10.56mm²/s and 39.6respectively. Blending of coconut-neem biodiesels without using diesel produced desirable fuel properties.
