Characterization of biodiesel from second generation gamma-irradiated Jatropha curcas

Biodiesel (B2γ-300) derived from second-generation gamma-irradiated Jatropha curcas (JCO2γ-300) was analyzed. HPLC and NMR were used to determine the purity of B2γ-300, and a value of greater than 99.0% was verified. Phorbol ester (PE) composition in B2γ-300 was analyzed by HPLC but could not be detected. Elemental content of nitrogen (N), carbon (C), hydrogen (H), sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) were analyzed by using NCHS. No sulfur content in B2γ-300 could be detected, but N, C, H and O had values of 0.24%, 80.54%, 6.65% and 12.57%, respectively. Overall, it was concluded that the physicochemical properties of B2γ-300 have potential as source of alternative fuels.