A Comparative Study and Regression Analysis on Physico-Thermal Properties using Pongamia Pinnata-Waste Cooking Oil Methyl Ester Mixture

Development of alternative fuels over the past three decades is trending research for the replacement or supplement of the mineral-based fuels. In the present study, a combined biodiesel mixture was prepared volumetrically from methyl esters of pongamia pinnata and waste cooking oil (50:50). Physico-thermal properties (Density, viscosity and calorific value) for blends varying from 5 to 30% were determined, for both combined biodiesel blends and their respective sources. Further, a comparative study on the physico-thermal properties of combined biodiesel blends with their respective sources was made. Similar trends were observed between the combined biodiesel blends and their respective sources. i.e., density and kinematic viscosity increased with increase in blend percentage. Alternatively, a decreasing trend was observed in the calorific value. Statistical analysis using Minitab was carried out. Backward elimination method was used to develop a regression model to determine the coefficient of determination between the properties and the volumetric contribution of blends. The models were significant at a confidence interval of 95%. The R-Square value for predicting density, kinematic viscosity and the calorific value was 99.37%, 99.05% and 99.84% respectively.