A Master’s thesis at the College of Engineering, Al-Qadisiyah University, discussed the production of biodiesel from local castor seeds using in-situ exchange esterification and pyrolysis processes.

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Al-Qadisiyah University, discussed the Master’s thesis entitled “In-Situ Exchange Esterification and Pyrolysis of Local Oilseeds for Biodiesel Production” by researcher Zakaa Dakhel Rahman, supervised by Professor Dr. [Name missing]. Ali Abdul Hussein Al-Khalidi
This study aimed to utilize inedible castor seeds as a sustainable raw material for producing biodiesel and biooil using in-situ exchange esterification and pyrolysis. A statistical experimental design was employed to optimize operating conditions and biodiesel production within ASTM standards.

The results showed the highest biofuel yield of 93.74% under optimal conditions (1 hour reaction time, 55°C temperature, 2.0707 wt% catalyst-to-seed ratio, 750:1 alcohol-to-seed ratio), while the highest biooil yield reached 68.18% using catalytic pyrolysis. The study confirmed the efficiency of using local seeds in biofuel production through a simplified, economical, and environmentally friendly method, while reducing reliance on edible oils.