Physicochemical Properties of Shea Butter Synthesized Biodiesel

Abstract Base – catalyzed transesterification of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) seed fat was carried out at a methanol/oil ratio of 5:1 (V/V) at 70oC to synthesize the corresponding methyl esters (biodiesel). The percentage yield of approximately 87%, was recorded after ninety minutes, indicating that Shea fat is a good biodiesel feedstock. The physicochemical properties of the Shea biodiesel were determined. The colour was pale yellow while the relative density (870 Kg/m3), kinematic viscosity (2.66 mm2s-1 400C), acid value (0.19 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (0.52 meq/kg) and cetane number (68.10) were observed. The cloud point was found to be 9.30C, while the flash point of 156.670C, iodine value of 35.29 mg/100g and energy value of 39.3 MJ/Kg were recorded. All these value compare well with previous works and are within acceptable limits as specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The current research indicated that Shea butter has biodiesel potential aside its uses in culinary and cosmetics applications.