Optimized Biodiesel Production from Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Oil: A Response Surface Methodology for Microwave-Assisted Transesterification

Küçük Resim Yok

Tarih

2025

Dergi Başlığı

Dergi ISSN

Cilt Başlığı

Yayıncı

Mdpi

Erişim Hakkı

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Özet

The acceptance of biodiesel, specifically fatty acid methyl esters, as an alternative to petroleum diesel has increased significantly. Traditional feedstocks used to produce biodiesel include various seed oils and used frying oils, but there is growing interest in low-cost alternatives like pumpkin seed oil. As a byproduct of cucurbits processing, a significant number of seeds often remains with a high oil content suitable for biodiesel production. In the search for new low-cost alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production, the evaluation of pumpkin seed oil was emphasized. Using a modified microwave oven for transesterification, this study optimized the key parameters of reaction temperature, catalyst concentration (KOH), and reaction time using a Box-Behnken design. The results showed a maximum biodiesel yield of 91.5%. Microwave irradiation significantly accelerated the process, reducing reaction times from an hour to minutes. The biodiesel produced met international physicochemical standards, demonstrating the potential of pumpkin seed oil as a sustainable biodiesel source.

Açıklama

Anahtar Kelimeler

biodiesel, pumpkin seed oil, microwave-assisted transesterification, optimization, response surface methodology

Kaynak

Processes

WoS Q Değeri

Q2

Scopus Q Değeri

Q2

Cilt

13

Sayı

2

Künye