Production of methyl ester biofuel from sunflower oil via transesterification reaction

Methyl ester is a liquid biofuel obtained by chemical processes from vegetable oils or animal fats and an alcohol that can be used in diesel engines, alone or blended with diesel oil.in this study , the transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol was studied using NaOH as catalyst.the dependence of the conversion of sonflower oil on the reactions variables as methyl ester preparation, Separation of methyl ester from by-products, methyl ester purification, Effect of Molar ratio of Methanol to oil on Transesterification, Effect of Catalyst Concentration on Transesterification, was performed.The limited fossil fuel resources along with the need to reduce Green House Gas emissions were a major impulse to the development of alternative fuels. As a result, increased attention has been given to biofuels, such as biodiesel, that can be used as an alternative fuel in compression–ignition engines. Its production from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, makes it biodegradable and non-toxic; also, it contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions, because it comprises a closed carbon cycle