Methyl ester of Sal oil (Shorea robusta) as a substitute to diesel fuel-A study on its preparation, performance and emissions in direct injection diesel engine

► Non-traditional oil, i.e. Sal oil was used for the present study. ► Transesterification process parameters were studied and optimized. ► The biodiesel fuel properties are comparable with diesel. ► There is no significant change in thermal efficiency compared to diesel. ► The emissions such as CO, HC and NOx are lower by 25%, 45% and 12%, respectively compared to diesel.