Influencia del porcentaje de mezcla del aceite de higuerilla en la obtención de combustible alternativo para motores diesel/Influence of castor oil mix composition on the production of biofuel

Castor oil trans esterification has been evaluated as a source of alternative biodiesel. Three mixtures of biofuel (B5%, B10% and B20%) were tested in a diesel engine. Power, fuel consumption, temperature and exhaust emissions were measured. Densities, viscosities, refractive indexes and combustion heats of the mixtures were also determined. The use of biodiesel mixtures produces an increase of viscosity and fuel consumption, decreasing the heating and engine power, reducing the combustion gases like CO, CO2, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, and lowering the opacity of exhaust emissions. Additionally, a balance in the observed diesel engine performance was evidenced by the engine temperatures.