Biodiesel from crude Pongamia pinnata oil under subcritical methanol conditions with calcium methoxide catalyst

Crude Pongamia pinnata oil was subjected to a transesterification reaction with a calcium methoxide (Ca(OCH3)(2)) catalyst in subcritical methanol to obtain biodiesel. The variables affecting the methyl ester conversion were investigated. The obtained results were compared with non-catalyst and two-step reaction runs. The test results showed that the catalyst could improve the methyl ester conversion of biodiesel in subcritical methanol. A conversion rate of 99.50% was achieved with a 50:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 1.0 %wt catalyst, and 2.0 h reaction time at 175 degrees C. In addition, the important fuel properties of the biodiesel satisfied the biodiesel standards.