Combustion characteristics test of rubber seed oil (Hevea brasiliensis) oil droplets with caustic soda and methanol mixture as catalyst

The availability of abundant rubber seeds and not being used by the wider community is something that must be found a solution. Rubber seeds can be processed into biodiesel oil as alternative energy. Currently, renewable alternative energy is urgently needed as a substitute for non-renewable energy such as oil and coal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of variations in the mixture of methanol and caustic soda as a catalyst in rubber seed oil (Hevea brasiliensis). The tests carried out were droplet combustion to determine flashpoint, ignition delay time, burning rate, and visualization of fire at atmospheric pressure. Variations of the mixture (catalyst: methanol) used were: 0 gram : 0%; 0.25 grams : 10%; 0.5 grams: 20% and 0.75 grams: 30%. Variations of this mixture were prepared in 5 ml of rubber seed oil per sample. The addition of mixed variations affects droplet combustion where the flashpoint and ignition delay time increase continuously. The burning rate value decreased due to the length of time the burning occurred. The burning rate value also affects the height of the burning fire, this is indicated by the dominant yellow flame color. The increase in the percentage of the catalyst mixture with methanol causes a higher flame. Burning time caused by mixing caustic soda with rubber seed oil resulted in an increased in viscosity.