22. Effects of MgO Nano Particles On Viscosity of Transesterified Rapeseed Oil
by H. U. Jamo1, E. Tolufase2, F.U. Musa3, U. I. Ismail4, Aliyu S. A.5 and M.B. Abdullahi1
1Department of Physics, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano-Nigeria
2Department of Physics, Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, P.M.B. 3474, Kano-Nigeria
3Science and Technical Schools Board, Plot 546 Yan-Awaki Quarters Opp IBB Way Kano 4Department of Physics, Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa P.M.B. 048 Jigawa-Nigeria
5Department of Physical Sciences, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso College of Advanced Studies, Tudun Wada, Kano
Abstract
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable, environmentally benign, energy efficient, substitution fuel which can fulfill energy security needs without sacrificing engine’s operational performance. Thus it provides a feasible solution to the twin crises of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation. This research aimed at investigating the effects of MgO nanoparticles on viscosity of transesterified rapeseed oil. The crude rapeseed oil was purified, transesterified and nanoparticles were dispersed in the transesterified oil with concentration ranging from 0.2% to 1.0% in 0.2% interval. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe the surface morphology and internal structure of the nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FTIR) were used to examine the structures of the samples. It was found out among other things that small amount of 0.6% of MgO nanoparticles in the oil could improve the viscosity of the fluid. It could be concluded that the optimum amount of MgO nanoparticles to be used for nanofliud is 0.6%. Hence, the transesterified rapeseed containing 0.6% of MgO nanoparticles has the potential to used as a biodiesel oil.
Keywords; MgO, Nano-fluid, Rapeseed oil, SEM, XRF, XRD