Page 137 - Biofuels Refining and Performance

120 Chapter Four

alternatives to produce biodiesel: ethanol and sulfuric acid, and
methanol and NaOH [108–110]. Puhan et al. have found better diesel
engine performance for methyl esters compared to ethyl and butyl esters,
while ethyl esters show lower NO x emissions compared to the rest [111].
Systematic studies on the lubrication properties of biodiesel have shown
that the preferred range of blending with diesel fuel is 5–20% [51].

4.2.9 Nagchampa oil
Crop description. Calophyllum inophyllum—commonly known as
nagchampa, ballnut, ati tree, kamani, ndamanu, fetau, Alexandrian
laurel, nambagura, Indian laurel, and tamanu oil—belongs to the family
Guttiferae and is native to the Indo–Pacific region, particularly Malaysia
[112]. This evergreen tree is commonly found in the coastal regions of
South India and Madagascar (see Fig. 4.10). It usually reaches up to 25 m
high [113]. It tolerates varied kinds of soil, coastal sand, clay, and
degraded soil. The average kernel oil content is about 60.1% [114]. The
fatty acids present in crude oils are stearic (14.3%), palmitic (13.7%),
oleic (39.1%), and linoleic (31.1%) acids [115].

Main uses. It is known best as an ornamental plant. Besides this, its
wood is hard and strong and has been used in construction. The seeds
yield oil for medicinal use and cosmetics. A number of medicinal and
therapeutic properties of various parts of Calophyllum have been
described, including the treatment of rheumatism, varicose veins, hem-
orrhoids, and chronic ulcers [116]. Fatty acid methyl esters of C. ino-
phyllum oil have been found suitable for use as biodiesel that meets
biodiesel standards of the United States and European Standards
Organization [78].

Figure 4.10 Calophyllum ino-
phyllum. (Photo by Forest Starr
and Kim Starr, courtesy of the U.S.
Geological Society [www.hear.org/
starr/hiplants/images/hires/
html/starr_040711_0232_
calophyllum_inophyllum.htm].)