Properties of crude oil from indigenous oilseeds in Africa.

Abstract

Properties of crude oil from 4 indigenous oilseeds (Calodendrum capense, Croton megalocarpus, Podocarpus gracilior, and Pittosporum viridiflorum) in Africa (Kenya) were determined and their potential use as fuel, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and brake fluids were evaluated. The oils were extracted chemically and mechanically using petroleum ether and a ram press, respectively. The properties determined included density, which decreased linearly with increase in temperature, kinematic viscosity, which decreased exponentially with increase in temperature, viscosity index, calorific value, ash content, flash point, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and pH value. Empirical equations were derived for the change of density and kinematic viscosity with temperature. Methods of extraction had significant effect on the ash content and flash point of the oils. The values obtained were compared to those of diesel and sunflower oil.