N.A. Amenaghawon

This research aimed to develop a sustainable and efficient method for making biodiesel from a mix of neem and yellow oleander oils, using a catalyst made from chicken bones. The oils' properties were examined, created and tested the catalyst, optimized the transesterification process, and checked that the biodiesel meets ASTM D6751 and EN14214 standards. The oil analysis looked at free fatty acids (FFA), viscosity, density, iodine value, and fatty acid profiles. Neem oil had an FFA of 5.2%, viscosity of 5.93 mm²/s, and an iodine value of 76.4; yellow oleander oil had an FFA of 3.8%, viscosity of 4.02 mm²/s, and iodine value of 73.86. The catalyst was prepared by calcining chicken bones at 800°C for 3 hours, resulting in calcium oxide with a surface area of 154 m²/g. Tests with SEM, XRD, XRF, FTIR, and BET confirmed it was effective and stable. By optimizing the transesterification process through Response Surface Methodology (RSM), a biodiesel yield of 88.46% was achieved. The optimal conditions identified were a methanol-to- oil ratio of 14:1, a reaction duration of 180 minutes, a catalyst loading of 6% by weight, all maintained at a steady temperature of 65°C