An Empirical Equation for Estimation of Kinematic Viscosity of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and Biodiesel

Kinematic viscosity (µ) is an important physical property of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and biodiesel. In this work, the Martin's rule of free energy additivity is extended to cover the kinematic viscosity of saturated and unsaturated FAME commonly found in nature. The proposed model can also be extended to estimate kinematic viscosity of biodiesel. The kinematic viscosity of a FAME or a biodiesel can be easily estimated from its carbon number (z), number of double bonds (n_d) at different temperatures (T) without a prior knowledge of the viscosity of individual FAME. Both z_ave and n_d(ave) can be derived from its fatty acid composition. Thus, kinematic viscosity of biodiesel at temperatures between 20 and 100 °C and at atmospheric pressure can be estimated. The average absolute deviation (AAD) estimated at 20–100 °C for saturated, unsaturated FAME, biodiesels and biodiesel blends are 4.15, 3.25, 6.95 and 2.79 %, respectively. The biodiesels collected in this study (191 data points) have the z_ave and n_d(ave) between 14.10 and 17.96 and 0.21–1.54, respectively. The standard deviation was 0.249. The proposed model would be good for estimation of viscosity of biodiesel containing normal fatty acids, generally found in biodiesel feed stocks.     

A Predictive Correlation for Dynamic Viscosity of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and Biodiesel

The viscosity of biodiesel, which is a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), is an important physical property in the injection and efficient combustion. In this study, a simple correlation, with only one adjustable parameter, is proposed for predicting the viscosity of FAME and their mixtures (biodiesel) as a function of temperature. First, the adjustable parameter of the correlation is calculated for various FAME. The average absolute relative deviation (AARD) is obtained to be 0.97% for 226 data points. Second, the adjustable parameter of FAME is connected to the number of carbon atoms and the number of double bonds to build a predictive correlation for the calculation of viscosity. The AARD for 226 data points is obtained to be 2.28%. Third, the proposed model is employed to predict the viscosity of biodiesel without introducing any new adjustable parameter. To predict the viscosity of biodiesel, the average of the adjustable parameter is applied to the correlation. The AARD of 2.96% is obtained for 185 data points comprised of 23 different biodiesels. To better understand the ability of the correlation in the estimation of the viscosity of biodiesel and FAME, a comparison is made between the present correlation and a number of correlations available in the literature.     

The Effect of Antioxidants on Corn and Sunflower Biodiesel Properties under Extreme Oxidation Conditions

Biodiesel is an alternative to mineral fuels, with advantages such as biodegradability. However, this makes biodiesel unstable to oxidation. In this way, the use of natural or synthetic antioxidants is necessary. Although many studies have paid attention to the effect of these antioxidants on oxidation stability, not much literature about their effect of them on other properties (before and during storage) was found. The aim of this research study was to characterize biodiesel from corn and sunflower by adding two antioxidants, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), in order to improve its oxidation stability. Moreover, the effect of oxidation on the parameters of biodiesel was studied by using extreme oxidation conditions to accelerate the oxidation process. Both antioxidants improved the oxidation stability of biodiesel, whereas some parameters were altered (viscosity and acid number), which could make this biofuel, if high concentrations of antioxidants are used, unsuitable for commercialization according to standards.     

A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Density of Neat Fatty Acids and Esters

Density is one of the most important physical properties of a chemical compound, affecting numerous applications. An application in the case of fatty acid esters (biodiesel) is that density is specified in some biodiesel standards. In the present work, the density of fatty acid methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl esters as well as triacylglycerols in the C₈–C₂₄ range was determined in the range of 15–40 °C with a densitometer utilizing the oscillating U-tube technique. Literature data on density are compiled and compared, showing that data for these compounds are incomplete with discrepancies existing in some cases. Besides known effects such as density decreasing with increasing chain length and increasing saturation, it is shown that trans fatty compounds exhibit lower density than cis fatty compounds. Density data for several saturated odd-numbered, C₁₈, as well as C₂₀ and C₂₂ polyunsaturated fatty esters are reported for the first time. The density contribution of compounds with high melting points is predicted. An equation is given for the calculation of the density of mixtures.     

A New Green Method for the Production Polyvinylchloride Plasticizers from Fatty Acid Methyl Esters of Vegetable Oils

The current work has shown the potentials for the aerobic oxidation of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) of vegetable oils in the production of polyvinylchloride (PVC) plasticizers with the exclusion of other reagents. The reaction mixtures contain epoxidized derivatives of FAME, and esters, with the quantity of the ester groups being higher than in the initial raw material. It was established that the increase in the additional ester groups resulting from the “aerobic” Baeyer-Villiger (BV) reaction has a significantly positive influence on the plasticizing ability of the oxidized FAME mixtures for PVC when compared to the formation of epoxide compounds. The development of the technology for the production of PVC plasticizers proposed in this investigation provides an opportunity for resolving some of the environmental issues normally associated with the use of phthalate-based plasticizers.     

Comparison of Fatty Acid Methyl and Ethyl Esters as Biodiesel Base Stock: a Review on Processing and Production Requirements

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were the first fatty acid esters to be introduced for use as biodiesel. However, there is a growing interest in the use of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in biodiesel. Both FAME and FAEE have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. These differences are ultimately attributable to the structural differences imparted by the alcohols used in their production. Sources of reactants as well as their safety issues, are a focus of this review. Also reviewed are the comparative characteristics and properties of both biodiesel types in terms of physicochemical features and performance. Processing requirements, reaction times and molar ratios of alcohol to oil, together with problems and drawbacks, are discussed. Recent developments on improving the yield of biodiesel, include mixing methanol and ethanol in the same reaction with ethanol acting as a co-solvent, and enzymatic methanolysis and ethanolysis are also highlighted.     

Ultrasonic Pretreatment Transesterification for Solid Basic-Catalyzed Synthesis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Generally, ultrasound irradiation is required throughout the reaction for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME, namely, biodiesel) production, which is energy-consuming and difficult to scale-up. In order to improve the industrial application of ultrasonic technology, a systematic study of ultrasonic pretreatment solid basic (Na₂SiO₃)-catalyzed transesterification for FAME production from cottonseed oil was carried out, and the effect of ultrasonic waves on the properties of Na₂SiO₃ catalyst was assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of fresh and collected catalysts. An ultrasonic frequency of 30 kHz, ultrasonic power of 200 W and ultrasonic pretreatment irradiation time of 30 min was determined to guarantee a satisfactory degree of transesterification. The optimum production was achieved in the reaction system at 45 °C with methanol/cottonseed oil molar ratio 5:1, catalyst dosage 3% and stirring speed 350 rpm resulting in a FAME yield of above 97% after 60 min of reaction under mechanical stirring with the ultrasonic pretreatment process. The new process has a shorter reaction time, a more moderate reaction temperature, a less amount of methanol and catalyst than only the mechanical stirring process without essential damage to activity and the structure of catalyst. These results are of great significance for applying the ultrasonic pretreatment method to produce FAME.     

Wild Brazilian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Seed Oil Methyl Esters as Biodiesel Fuel

Wild mustard (Brassica juncea L.) oil is evaluated as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Biodiesel was obtained in 94 wt.% yield by a standard transesterification procedure with methanol and sodium methoxide catalyst. Wild mustard oil had a high content of erucic (13(Z)-docosenoic; 45.7 wt.%) acid, with linoleic (9(Z),12(Z)-octadecadienoic; 14.2 wt.%) and linolenic (9(Z),12(Z),15(Z)-octadecatrienoic; 13.0 wt.%) acids comprising most of the remaining fatty acid profile. The cetane number, kinematic viscosity, and oxidative stability (Rancimat method) of the methyl esters was 61.1, 5.33 mm² s⁻¹ (40 °C) and 4.8 h (110 °C), respectively. The cloud, pour and cold filter plugging points were 4, −21 and −3 °C, respectively. Other properties such as acid value, lubricity, free and total glycerol content, iodine value, Gardner color, specific gravity, as well as sulfur and phosphorous contents were also determined and are discussed in light of biodiesel standards ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. Also reported are the properties and composition of wild mustard oil, along with identification of wild mustard collected in Brazil as Brassica juncea L. (2n = 36) as opposed to the currently accepted Sinapis arvensis L. (2n = 18) classification. In summary, wild mustard oil appears to be an acceptable feedstock for biodiesel production. Disclaimer: Product names are necessary to report factually on available data; however, the USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of the product, and the use of the name by USDA implies no approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.     

Several factors affecting the stability of biodiesel in standard accelerated tests

This study examined factors impacting the stability of biodiesel (B100) samples collected as part of a 2004 nationwide fuel quality survey in the United States. Biodiesel is significantly less stable than petroleum diesel, so an understanding of the chemical and environmental factors affecting its degradation is required. The survey included samples produced from soy, waste oils, and tallow. The 27 samples were assessed for stability using the ASTM D2274 test for insoluble formation and the OSI method (via Rancimat apparatus) for induction time. Additionally, the samples were characterized for fatty acid make up, relative antioxidant content, metals content, and total glycerin content (free glycerin plus glycerin bound as mono-, di-, and triglycerides). For the samples examined here the polyunsaturated content (or oxidizability) has the largest impact on both increasing insoluble formation and reducing induction time. However, the formation of insolubles is also measurably decreased by increasing relative antioxidant content and increased by increasing total glycerin content. The OSI or Rancimat induction time is also increased by increasing relative antioxidant content, as expected.     

Comparative Oxidative Stability of Fatty Acid Alkyl Esters by Accelerated Methods

Several fatty acid alkyl esters were subjected to accelerated methods of oxidation, including EN 14112 (Rancimat method) and pressurized differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Structural trends elucidated from both methods that improved oxidative stability included decreasing the number of double bonds, introduction of trans as opposed to cis unsaturation, location of unsaturation closer to the ester head group, and elimination of hydroxyl groups. Also noticed with EN 14112 was an improvement in oxidative stability when a larger ester head group was utilized. Methyl esters that contained ten or less carbons in the fatty acid backbone were unacceptable for analysis at 110 °C (EN 14112) due to excessive sample evaporation. With respect to PDSC, a correlation was noticed in which the oxidation onset temperature (OT) of saturated fatty esters increased with decreasing molecular weight (R ² 0.7328). In the case of the monounsaturates, a very strong inverse correlation was detected between molecular weight and OT (R ² 0.9988), which was in agreement with EN 14112. Lastly, a strong direct correlation (R ² 0.8759) was elucidated between OT and oil stability index (OSI, EN 14112, 80 °C). The correlation was not as strong (R ² 0.5852) between OSI obtained at 110 °C and OT. Disclaimer: Product names are necessary to report factually on available data; however, the USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of the product, and the use of the name by USDA implies no approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.     

Biodiesel Production from Rubber Seed Oil by Transesterification Using a Co‐solvent of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Rubber seed oil (RSO) is a high‐potential feedstock for the production of biodiesel fuel (BDF) in Asia. Transesterification using fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) as co‐solvents was developed for BDF production from RSO with high content of free fatty acids (FFAs). The homogeneous system (FAMEs/triglyceride/methanol) was attained when the FAME content was more than 30 wt %. After esterification of RSO, the crude RSO obtained was transesterified with FAMEs as a co‐solvent. The quality of BDF with high FAME content satisfied the criteria of the EN 14214/JIS K2390 standards. These results suggest that FAMEs converted from FFAs can be applied as a co‐solvent and, thus, reused for BDF production.     

Evidence of thermal decomposition of fatty acid methyl esters during the synthesis of biodiesel with supercritical methanol

New evidence on the thermal decomposition of fatty acid methyl esters during biodiesel synthesis in supercritical conditions is presented. Thermal decomposition products were detected chromatographically, by applying the UNE-EN 14105:2003 standard, as a broad single peak during the determination of glycerides in the reaction samples. These degradation products could be quantified chromatographically by the above standard because the area of the peak was proportional to the disappearance of the polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters, which contain two or more double bonds (methyl linoleate and linolenate), generated during biodiesel synthesis from soybean oil. In the experimental conditions tested, thermal decomposition reactions of these unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters began to appear at 300 °C/26 MPa, and were more intense as the temperature rose. For its part, the main saturated fatty acid methyl ester (methyl palmitate) generated during the reaction was hardly decomposed at all in the experimental conditions tested and only began to disappear at 350 °C/43 MPa.     

Esterification of Fatty Acids in Greases to Fatty Acid Methyl Esters with Highly Active Diphenylamine Salts

Diphenylamine sulfate (DPAS) and diphenylamine hydrochloride (DPACl) salts were found to be highly active catalysts for esterification and substantial transesterification of inexpensive greases to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). In the presence of catalytic amounts of DPAS or DPACl and excess methanol, the free fatty acids as well as the acylglycerols in waste greases were converted to FAME at 125 °C within 1 h. Although the DPAS and DPACl catalysts were found to have similar catalytic activities to their parent liquid acids (i.e., sulfuric and hydrochloric acids) the diphenylammonium salts are much easier to work with than concentrated liquid acids.     

甲基葡萄糖苷脂肪酸酯的合成与研究

以碱性化合物CT作为催化剂,采用甲基葡萄糖苷和十八酸为原料合成甲基葡萄糖苷硬脂酸酯,对影响反应的主要因素进行了分析,通过IR分析不同反应条件下合成产品的组成,得到较优的反应条件为:n(甲基葡萄糖苷)∶n(十八酸)=1∶1.4,催化剂CT用量为甲基葡萄糖苷质量的0.6%,反应温度控制在150℃左右,反应压力0.01MPa,产品收率可以达到85%,颜色较浅。     

Reduction of Vegetable Oil-Derived Fatty Acid Methyl Esters toward Fatty Alcohols without the Supply of Gaseous H2

An alternative route to the conventional one for fatty alcohol synthesis was investigated. It was possible to synthesize lauryl alcohol from methyl laurate via reduction by transfer of hydrogen and hydride in liquid phase, in noncatalytic reactions and without the supply of H₂ gaseous. Pure NaBH₄ or alumina-supported NaBH₄ and methanol were used as co-reactants and 100% fatty alcohol selectivities were achieved. The aim of supporting the metal hydride was to increase its stability and achieve the full recovery of the solid at the end of reaction. When alumina-supported NaBH₄ was used, a final fatty alcohol yield of 93% was achieved. The use of methanol and NaBH₄ in amounts higher than stoichiometric is important to generate alkoxyborohydride anions which act as better reducing species than NaBH₄. The reaction conditions effect was investigated and the role of short carbon chain alcohol structure was elucidated. The effect of fatty acid methyl ester structure was also studied. Fatty acid methyl esters with shorter carbon chain length and without unsaturation (methyl laurate, methyl myristate) were easily reduced using NaBH₄/Al₂O₃ and methanol reaching high conversions and fatty alcohol selectivities. Unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester with longer carbon chain (methyl oleate) introduced steric hindrance which disfavoured interaction between ester and reducing solid surface and fatty acid methyl ester conversion was noticeably lower. A reaction mechanism based on alkoxyborohydride anions as the actual reducing species was proposed. This mechanism fully interprets results obtained during fatty acid methyl ester reduction using short carbon chain alcohols and metal hydride.     

Molecular Weight Distribution of Low Molecular Weight Polyols Derived from Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

A series of commercial polyether polyols with well-defined molecular weights (MW) was used along with propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol as gel permeation chromatography (GPC) calibration standards to determine the MW and oligomeric composition of the synthesized low MW fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) polyols, having an MW of lower than 600 Da. This GPC analysis was compared to the one calibrated against the commercially-available polystyrene (PS) standards and to the number-average molecular weight (M _n) obtained via vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) technique. The MW of FAME polyols obtained with GPC calibrated against polyether polyols were closer to the M _n values obtained via VPO than the MW obtained via GPC calibrated against PS standards. Using the reliable GPC calibration, the MW distribution and the hydroxyl functionality of FAME polyols were determined with greater confidence.     

脲包法分离不饱和脂肪酸甲酯的研究

以混合脂肪酸甲酯为原料,采用尿素包合法（脲包法）分离不饱和脂肪酸甲酯。通过正交试验,得到了最佳工艺条件：混合脂肪酸甲酯（w）：尿素（w）：甲醇（v）为1：2．09：8．36,包合温度-10℃,包合时间18h。经过一次包合,不饱和脂肪酸甲酯的含量由原来的47．69％提高到86．74％,收率54．19％。     

The influence of antioxidants on the oxidation stability of biodiesel

Oxidation stability of bodiesel is an important issue because FA derivatives are more sensitive to oxidative degradation than mineral fuel. Therefore, in the most recent European Specifications for biodiesel, a minimum value of 6 h for the induction period at 110°C, measured with a Rancimat instrument, is specified. To guarantee this value at the filling station, the use of additional antioxidants will be necessary. In this paper we show the influence of different synthetic and natural antioxidants on the oxidation stability, using the specified test method. Biodiesel produced from rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, used frying oil, and beef tallow, both undistilled and distilled, was investigated. The four synthetic antioxidants pyrogallol (PY), propylgallate (PG), TBHQ, and BHA produced the greatest enhancement of the induction period. These four compounds and the widely used BHT were selected for further studies at concentrations from 100 to 1000 mg/kg. The induction periods of methyl esters from rapeseed, oil, used frying oil, and tallow could be improved significantly with PY, PG, and TBHQ, whereas BHT was not very effective. A good correlation was found between the improvement of the oxidation stability and the FA composition.     

Methyl Esters (Biodiesel) from and Fatty Acid Profile of Gliricidia sepium Seed Oil

Increasing the supply of biodiesel by defining and developing additional feedstocks is important to overcome the still limited amounts available of this alternative fuel. In this connection, the methyl esters of the seed oil of Gliricidia sepium were synthesized and the significant fuel‐related properties were determined. The fatty acid profile was also determined with saturated fatty acids comprising slightly more than 35 %, 16.5 % palmitic, 14.5 % stearic, as well as lesser amounts of even longer‐chain fatty acids. Linoleic acid is the most prominent acid at about 49 %. Corresponding to the high content of saturated fatty acid methyl esters, cold flow is the most problematic property as shown by a high cloud point of slightly >20 °C. Otherwise, the properties of G. sepium methyl esters are acceptable for biodiesel use when comparing them to specifications in biodiesel standards but the problematic cold flow properties would need to be observed. The ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectra of G. sepium methyl esters are reported.     

Isothermal Curing Kinetics of Epoxidized Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and Triacylglycerols

Plant oil triacylglycerols are attractive renewable resources for biobased epoxy resins. We investigated the curing kinetics of three model epoxidized fatty acid methyl esters and representative epoxidized triacylglycerols with varied epoxide functionalities and distributions in the presence of a latent cationic initiator. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to analyze the curing kinetics of the epoxy systems, and kinetic parameters (i.e., rate constants, reaction orders) were determined. Both epoxidized fatty esters and triacylglycerols followed the autocatalytic curing mechanism, and the DSC data were analyzed according to the Kamal autocatalytic model. Epoxidized methyl linoleate (EMLO) had the highest maximum curing rate, followed by epoxidized methyl linolenate (EMLON), and epoxidized methyl oleate (EMO) had the lowest maximum curing rate. We conclude that EMLO with two epoxide groups has the highest reactivity in this curing system, while the EMO with one epoxide group has the lowest reactivity. For epoxidized triacylglycerols, epoxidized camelina oil had the highest curing reactivity at higher temperatures, followed by epoxidized linseed oil and soybean oil.