Chemical Composition and Biodiesel Production from Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes Cucumerina) Seeds

Seeds of snake gourd plant (Trichosanthes cucumerina) was analyzed for proximate and minerals compositions. Extracted oil from the seeds was analyzed for its physicochemical properties and processed to biodiesel using base-catalyzed, batch process method. From the proximate analysis, the seeds were found to have high crude fat content, hence, its oil was investigated for use in biodiesel production. Biodiesel from Trichosanthes cucumerina oil was found to have a moderate kinematic viscosity but relatively high flash point when compared with the standards outlined in ASTM PS 121 Standards for Biodiesel.