Jojoba ethyl ester production and properties of ethanol blends

This research aims to study the possibility of using jojoba ethyl ester (JEE), and its blends with ethanol in diesel engines. The physical and chemical properties of the jojoba ethyl ester and its blends with ethanol in different ratios (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% ethanol by volume) have been measured. The following properties have been measured for the tested fuels: viscosity, density, low calorific value, flash point, pour point, cetane index, total acid number, total base number, sulfur content, and ash content. The method of preparation of JEE by transesterification process is optimized to find the lowest proportion of ethanol that gives the best properties of ester. It has been shown that using 7% ethanol gives the highest yield of ester, taking into account the cost. Blending more ethanol with JEE resulted in the decrease of density, pour point, and low calorific value. There is a need for future researches to reduce the pour point of (JEE) and its blends with ethanol. JEE and its blends with ethanol is a promising biofuel, which can be used in diesel engines. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.