Produção de ésteres etílicos a partir do óleo de Moringa oleífera Lam

Abstract

Moringa Oleífera, is a tree that had its origin in India and that later proliferated by several other countries, not only known for the high nutritional potential of its leaves, but also for presenting in all its parts (flowers, fruits, flowers and roots) industrial applications. The present work had as objective the production of ethyl esters (biodiesel) using the crude oil of Moringa oleifera (OM) as triglycerides source, as well as to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of OM and EE, regarding the standards established by the regulatory agency, the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). The product of the biodiesel synthesis showed relative density and acidity index within the limits required by the ANP, however the conversion parameters into esters, which was 79.2% and kinematic viscosity, require adjustments to meet the standard. In view of the results found, the biodiesel obtained from the moringa oil presents characteristics that, if improved, will be promising in the use of this oilseed as alternative raw material in the production of ethyl biodiesel.