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 Thakaa Dakhel Rahman, supervised by Professor Dr. 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 produce biodiesel according to ASTM standards.

The results showed the highest biodiesel 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). The highest biooil yield was 68.18% using catalytic pyrolysis.

The study confirmed the efficiency of using local seeds in producing biofuel in a simplified, economical, and environmentally friendly manner, while reducing reliance on edible oils.