Extraction and characterization of moringa oleifera seed oil

The extraction and characterization of both crude and refined of Moringa oleifera oil found in North East Ecological Zone of Nigeria has been carried out. Normal hexane was used as solvent for the extraction process. The oil produced was refined through transesterification process using methoxideand magnetic stirrer local. The characterization analysis revealed that tested parameters, which include specific gravity, refractive index, viscosity, density, acid value, saponification value and iodine value for both crude and refined Moringa oil produced, were within the ASTM standard specifications. The oil was analysed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer method showing the composition and components of the oil.The major component obtained is Octadecenoic acid having highest abundance with respect to retention time as displayed by the highest peaks in the graphs.The oil is of good quality and could be recommended suitable for industrial usage

Keywords:

Moringa oliefera , biodiesel , solvent extraction , Transestarification , Gas Chromatography , Mass Spectrometer