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Oleoresin from copaiba as raw material for the production of biodiesel

Abstract:

On this research, the potential of oleoresin extracted from the tree Copaifera reticulata was analyzed for the production of biofuel starting from the transesterification process. Properties like viscosity, acid, moisture, flash point and melt fluidity index were determined for both the raw and the chemically modified oleoresin. Its behavior on low temperatures and its oxidative stability were included on the characterization. It was determined that the route used for the production of biodiesel is not suitable because it generates a high loss of oleoresin, since the overall performance in biofuel production was approximately 10%. Still, refining processes and transesterification had a positive effect on the oxidative stability of oleoresin. With respect to raw oleoresin, the stability of refined oleoresin and copaiba biodiesel increased to 46 and 47 ºC, respectively. According to the fluidity points, in all cases the behavior on cold fluidity significantly exceeds the established ranges. Copaiba biodiesel showed a fluidity point below -39 ºC. According to the values of viscosity and density, the use of oleoresin in its raw or modified forms, although directly conditioned, could be considered in mixtures with gasoil or other biofuels to improve their low temperature properties. Further studies are needed to establish efficient routes for the chemical modification of oleoresin.