Abstract:
Abstract: - Hydrocarbon fuels from cassava seeds oil can
supplement fossil fuels hence reducing over-reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. This research put emphasis on the
extraction of cassava seeds oil from cassava seeds then
converting the synthesized oil into hydrocarbon fuels using
indigenous salt catalyst. Samples were extracted by soxhlet
extraction method using petroleum ether. The samples were then
characterized for physical-chemical parameters, functional
groups, bio-metal concentrations, acid and free fatty acid values,
saponification value and iodine values. Antifungal analysis was
conducted using C. albicans species. The obtained oil was then
esterified using the indigenous salts and the products
characterized against a control sample. The percent extraction
yields obtained using the solvent petroleum ether was
43.17±0.00%. The oil was pale yellow, odorless and liquid at
room temperature with no pH value. The oil had very low
electrical conductivity and specific gravity values. The samples
had high acid and free fatty acid values, moderate saponification
value (236.32±0.10mgOH) and low iodine value (83.50±2.00wij).
The anti-fungal inhibitions were moderate. The samples had high
iron and zinc concentrations. During trans-esterification process,
it was observed that carboxylic -OH, acetylenic and amide peaks
were removed. Consequently, sp3
-CH peaks intensified
illustrating more saturation in the hydrocarbons formed. The
conversion of the oil using the indigenous salts produced
combustible gases and liquid. In conclusion, use of the
indigenous salt aided in fast production of quality fuels from
cassava oil.
Key words: Cassava seeds oil, fuel, indigenous salt
