Evaluation of eleven genotypes of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) for the production of biodiesel

Abstract The castor oil plant is an important industrial crop around the world and it could become an important raw material for biodiesel production due to the particular characteristics of its oil. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the seed and oil production and yield and the quality of the biodiesel fuel produced from eleven wild genotypes collected in different areas of Mexico. The seed and oil production was evaluated considering the crop as annual in experimental plots at field level, and biodiesel was produced by transesterification of the oil at laboratory scale. The quality evaluation was made following the current standards. The results indicate that the seed production varied between 937.1 kg/ha and 56.3 kg/ha. Oil content varied between 42% w/w and 54% w/w. Oil production varied between 431.7 kg/ha and 27 kg/ha. The results indicate the feasibility to produce castor oil in the north-east region of Mexico. Biodiesel production was carried out from the oil previously extracted, and the biodiesel average yield was 1:0.84. The content of ricinoleic acid methyl ester varied between 89.16% and 84.7%. Pure castor biodiesel did not fulfill standard limits due to the high kinematic viscosity, density, water content and CFPP. However, the results showed some potential for use blended with petroleum diesel.