Conference Dates

June 19-24, 2016

Abstract

1. INTRODUCTION

Biodiesel is a mixture of alkyl esters obtained by transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats with a short chain alcohol (mainly methanol or ethanol) and catalyzed by acids or bases (usually NaOH or KOH) [1]. Final properties of the biodiesel are similar to those of petroleum derived-diesel. Therefore, biodiesel can be used in diesel conventional engines without significant modifications or mixed in any proportion with fossil diesel.

Some of the main drawbacks of biodiesel to be used as fuel are the low oxidation stability and poor cold flow properties (freezing point and flowability of the fuel at low temperatures), both highly dependent on the raw material composition. Saturated compounds are responsible for the poor cold flow properties of biodiesel, whereas unsaturated esters are mainly responsible for its oxidation [2]. Different synthetic and costly additives [3-6] have been used by manufacturers to improve biodiesel characteristics in order to fulfill the requirements defined in different standards, such as EN 14214 in Europe.

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