Biodiesel production from corn oil: A review

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 91; pp. 531 - 548
• Main Authors: Veljković, Vlada B., Biberdžić, Milan O., Banković-Ilić, Ivana B., Djalović, Ivica G., Tasić, Marija B., Nježić, Zvonko B., Stamenković, Olivera S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2018
• Subjects: Biodiesel; Corn; Germs; Oil extraction; Transesterification; Zea mays L; Corn; Germs; Transesterification; Biodiesel; Zea mays L; Oil extraction
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.04.024

This paper deals with biodiesel production from corn oil as a feedstock via the transesterification and esterification reactions. To date, corn oil has not been considered a viable biodiesel feedstock because of its high edible value and relatively high price, but some industrial corn processing co-products, such as corn germ and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), have potential for this application after the extraction of corn distillers oil (CDO). Here, after brief discussion of the issues related to corn botany, cultivation, and use, as well as the corn germ and oil composition, properties and use, the methods of corn processing for germ and DDGS recovery are presented. In addition, the mechanical and solvent extraction techniques for oil recovery from whole ground corn kernels, germs, and DDGS are considered. Furthermore, biodiesel production from corn oil, waste frying corn oil, and CDO is critically analyzed. It is expected that further investigation will be directed toward developing simpler, more effective and energy-saving technologies for biodiesel production from corn oil-based feedstocks, especially from CDO. The integration of biodiesel production directly into corn-based ethanol production will advance the overall economy of industrial plants. Furthermore, the fuel properties, performances and exhaust gas emissions of corn-based biodiesel and its blends with diesel fuel are discussed, taking into account the biodiesel quality standards. Finally, issues related to the environmental and socio-economic impacts of corn-based biodiesel production and use are also tackled.
•Oily co–products of industrial corn processing are promising biodiesel feedstocks.•“Green” oil extraction methods will improve corn oil recovery.•Simpler, more efficient and energy–saving corn-based biodiesel technology is needed.•The integrated reactor/separation process of biodiesel production is more efficient.•Biodiesel production can be integrated in the corn-based ethanol production.