Wasted Pomegranates as a potential and novel third-generation feedstock: optimization, characterization, and thermogravimetric investigation

An exploratory study was carried out to synthesize biodiesel from the wasted pomegranate seeds. It has been first and foremost explored and revealed as a novel feedstock for the development of biodiesel as an alternative fuel. The oil was extracted from dried pomegranate seeds using Soxhlet oil extraction techniques with the Taguchi L 9 technique. The maximum 24% oil was extracted with a solvent-to-seed ratio of 2.5:1, extraction temperature of 60 °C, extraction time of 180 min., and evaporation temperature of 40 °C. The transesterification was carried out with 9-runs of Taguchi’s techniques. The optimum process parameters such as molar ratio 6:1, catalyst concentration 1 mass%, reaction temperature 60 °C, and reaction time 60-min have recovered 94% FAME. The characterization of blends is to analyze their sustainability as an elective fuel with IS 1448 standard chromatography analysis, element analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. The thermogravimetric investigation uses TG–DSC, and TG–DTG techniques to study the thermal behavior, and combustion characteristics of blends. IS 1448 standard and elemental analysis is carried out to study the physicochemical properties and carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur percentage. The POM biodiesel fulfills the requirement of IS 1448 standard. The B20 blend delivered a higher value of ignition index (1.16 × 10 −4 to 2.37 × 10 −4 min -1 °C -2 ) and comprehensive performance index (1.78 × 10 −6 to 5.45 × 10 −6 min -1 °C −3 ) which provides better ignition performance during combustion. The most effective method for turning agricultural waste into energy is this one. Graphical abstract