Extraction of Bio-Oil From Mahua Seeds and Its Characterization

Abstract

Bio-oil was extracted from mahua seeds collected from forests of Chhattisgarh. An intermediate pyrolysis method was used for this process. Proximate analysis of sun-dried mahua seeds shows a high content of volatile matter (86%) and a low content of moisture (4.37%) and ash (1.36%). Fixed carbon content was found to be 8.27%. Particle size of biomass affects the yield of bio-oil, biogas, and biochar. Influence of temperature on the end products of pyrolysis was also studied. Thermogravimetric analysis of mahua bio-oil was carried out to determine the active pyrolysis zone. Decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose, resulting in heavy weight loss in the seeds, occurs in the temperature range of 150 °C to around 500 °C; thus, it is regarded as the zone of active pyrolysis for mahua seeds. The highest yield of bio-oil is achieved at the temperature of 500 °C. The FTIR study indicates the presence of different aliphatic and aromatic compounds in the seeds. The calorific value of mahua oil was calculated to be 21.38 MJ/kg.