EVALUATING PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MUTATED JATROPHA CURCAS SEED OILS AND THEIR FEASIBILITY AS NEW FEEDSTOCKS FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT The physicochemical properties of Jatropha curcas (JC) seed oils are related to the plant varieties and affect the biodiesel quality when it is used as feedstock. This work investigates the physicochemical properties and feasibility of mutated JC seed oil for biodiesel feedstock. Three mutated JC seed oils, from JC-150, JC-226 and JC-300, were successfully evaluated. The oil contents were determined by using gravimetry methods. The AV, FFA, IV and PV were determined by using titrimetric methods. Types of fatty acids were analyzed by using a GC-FID. The triacylglycerol (TAG) and PE compositions were determined by using a HPLC-ELSD. The results show that the oil contents of JC-150, JC-226 and JC-300 seeds were 48.3%, 45.8%, and 51.7%, respectively. The PE contents in JC-150, JC-226 and JC-300 were lower (approximately 33.4%, 46.9% and 96.4%) compared to the control. The oleic and linoleic acids were two main components of all samples, with compositions in the range 41.82-42.45% and 36.68-37.45%, respectively. The compositions of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated TAG were obtained in the range 71.60–76.22% and 19.62–24.53%, respectively. These results show that the properties of mutated JC seed oils meet with the requirements for biodiesel production.