Extraction of Argemone ochroleuca seeds oil and parametric optimization for biodiesel and epoxy oil production

This paper presents an in-depth study of the extraction process of Argemone ochroleuca seeds oil, including parameter optimization and oil characterization. This oil shows much promise for use in epoxy oil and biodiesel production. The optimum extraction, which gave an oil yield of 47.8%, was found to be a temperature of 63 °C, an extraction time of 6.8 h, and a solvent-to-sample ratio of 11.5 by using the Box-Behnken design response surface methodology. The density, refractive index, kinetic viscosity, saponification value, iodine value, acid value, FFA%, peroxide value, and heating value of oil were 902.4 kg/m³, 1.462, 30.1 c.St., 191.4, 124.8, 1.92, 0.96%, 12.6 meq/kg, and 40.5 MJ/kg, providing valuable insights into its properties and potential applications. Argemone ochroleuca seeds oil was found to contain palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids by GC–MS analysis. Using infrared spectroscopy, functional groups including carboxylic acids, alkanes, and alkenes were identified. The ultimate analysis showed the composition of the oil, including 78.7% carbon, 12.6% hydrogen, 0.49% nitrogen, 0.003% sulfur, and 8.18% oxygen. A comprehensive experiment was carried out to fully evaluate the stability of refined Argemone ochroleuca seed oil. The study shows storage of Argemone ochroleuca seed oil under favorable conditions, such as in a closed, dark, or refrigerated environment, helps preserve its oxidative stability, quality, and shelf life, resulting in the production of high-quality products. The obtained results greatly support the use of Argemone ochroleuca seed oil in biodiesel and epoxy oil production.