Biodiesel potential of the seed oils from some Brazilian native Euphorbiaceae species

摘要

In the present study, the oil content, fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of seed oils and biodiesel from seven species of Euphorbiaceae were analyzed. The oil content from seven Brazilian native Euphorbiaceae species ranged from 25A to 48.5%. Nine primarily unsaturated fatty acids were identified in seed oils. Actinostemon concolor and Stillingia trapezoidea seeds accumulated mainly oleic and linoleic acids, whereas in the seeds of Croton floribundus, Croton nepetifolius, Euphorbia comosa and Microstachys corniculata, linoleic and linolenic acids were the main constituents identified. Palmitic and oleic acids were predominantly detected in the seeds of Sapium glandulosum. In general, the oils showed low acidity, viscosity and free fatty acids. The results suggest that the seed oils from A. concolor, S. glandulosum and S. trapezoidea might be a viable alternative for biodiesel production, while those from C. floribundus, C. nepedfolius, E. comosa and M. corniculata seeds have great potential for application in the paint, varnish and lubricant industries. Due to the high content of saturated fatty acids, the seeds of S. glandulosum could also be used to produce soaps and detergents. For most species analyzed, the biodiesel specifications are in accordance with EN 14214 and ASTM D6751 standards. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.