Production of DMC-BioD from Pongamia pinnata seed oil using dimethyl carbonate

► Research investigates biodiesel production from P. pinnata oils using DMC. ► Dimethyl carbonate and Pongamia pinnata oil was produced better biodiesel. ► This research is study on the reaction parameters influencing biodiesel production. ► Produced biodiesel passes major tests lead by ASTM standards. The transesterification of Pongamia pinnata seed oil with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) for preparing DMC-BioD has been studied at the catalysis of potassium hydroxide (KOH). The effects of reaction conditions (ratio of P. pinnata seed oil and DMC, catalyst amount and reaction time, reaction temperature and agitation speed) on DMC-BioD yield were investigated. The highest DMC-BioD yield could reach 96% at refluxing temperature for 6h with ratio of P. pinnata oil to DMC 1:3w/w and 4% KOH (based on oil weight). Percentage of conversion has been analyzed by Gas Chromatography. P. pinnata seed oil DMC-BioD produced is characterized for the properties such as the kinematic viscosity at 40°C, density at 25°C, flash point (FP), pour point (PP), cloud point (CP), acid value and copper strip corrosion. P. pinnata seed oil DMC-BioD produced met with the quality standards defined under ASTM D675-02.