Kinematic viscosity of fatty acid methyl esters: Prediction, calculated viscosity contribution of esters with unavailable data, and carbon–oxygen equivalents

Many properties of biodiesel, the mono-alkyl esters of vegetable oils, animal fats or other triacylglycerol-containing feedstocks, are largely determined by its major components, the fatty acid alkyl esters. Therefore, information on the properties of individual components and their interaction is essential to understanding and predicting the properties of biodiesel fuels. Viscosity, which affects flow and combustion of a fuel, is such a property. In previous literature, the effect of the structure of fatty esters on viscosity was discussed. However, these data are largely confined to esters with an even number of carbon atoms in the chain and that are liquid at 40 °C. To gain a better understanding of kinematic viscosity, this work additionally reports data on esters with an odd number of carbons in the fatty acid chain and some unsaturated fatty esters. Furthermore, the kinematic viscosity of some biodiesel fuels is affected by components that are solids at 40 °C. A method based on polynomial regression for determining the calculated viscosity contribution (CVC) of esters that are solid at 40 °C (saturated esters in the C₂₀–C₂₄ range) or esters that are liquids but not available in pure form is presented as these values are essential for predicting the kinematic viscosity of mixtures containing such esters. The kinematic viscosity data of esters are compared to those of aliphatic hydrocarbons in the C₆–C₁₈ range and those of dimethyl diesters. The increase of kinematic viscosity with increasing number of CH₂ groups in the chain is non-linear and depends on the terminal functional groups, chain length and double bonds. To illustrate this effect, carbon–oxygen equivalents (COE) are used in which the numbers of carbon and oxygen atoms are added. A straightforward equation, taking into account only the amounts and kinematic viscosity values of the individual neat components, suffices to predict the viscosity of mixtures of fatty esters (biodiesel) at a given temperature.     

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 Comprehensive Evaluation of the Melting Points of Fatty Acids and Esters Determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

The melting point is one of the most important physical properties of a chemical compound and it plays a significant role in determining possible applications. For fatty acid esters the melting point is essential for a variety of food and non-food applications, the latter including biodiesel and its cold-flow properties. In this work, the melting points of fatty acids and esters (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl) in the C₈–C₂₄ range were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), many of which for the first time. Data for triacylglycerols as well as ricinoleic acid and its methyl and ethyl esters were also acquired. For some compounds whose melting points have been previously reported, data discrepancies exist and a comprehensive determination by DSC has not been available. Variations in the present data up to several °C compared to data in prior literature were observed. The melting points of some methyl-branched iso- and anteiso-acids and esters were also determined. Previously unreported systematic effects of compound structure on melting point are presented, including those for ω-9 monounsaturated fatty acids and esters as well as for methyl-branched iso and anteiso fatty acids and esters. The melting point of a pure fatty acid or ester as determined by DSC can vary up to approximately 1 °C. Other thermal data, including heat flow and melting onset temperatures are briefly discussed. 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.     

Branched‐Chain Fatty Acid Methyl Esters as Cold Flow Improvers for Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel derived mainly from the transesterification of plant oils with methanol or ethanol. This fuel is generally made from commodity oils such as canola, palm or soybean and has a number of properties that make it compatible in compression‐ignition engines. Despite its many advantages, biodiesel has poor cold flow properties that may impact its deployment during cooler months in moderate temperature climates. This work is a study on the use of skeletally branched‐chain‐fatty acid methyl esters (BC‐FAME) as additives and diluents to decrease the cloud point (CP) and pour point (PP) of biodiesel. Two BC‐FAME, methyl iso‐oleate and methyl iso‐stearate isomers (Me iso‐C_18:1 and Me iso‐C_18:0), were tested in mixtures with fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of canola, palm and soybean oil (CaME, PME and SME). Results showed that mixing linear FAME with up to 2 mass% BC‐FAME did not greatly affect CP, PP or kinematic viscosity (ν) relative to the unmixed biodiesel fuels. In contrast, higher concentrations of BC‐FAME, namely between 17 and 39 mass%, significantly improved CP and PP without raising ν in excess of limits in the biodiesel fuel standard specification ASTM D 6751. Furthermore, it is shown that biodiesel/Me iso‐C_18:0 mixtures matched or exceeded the performance of biodiesel/Me iso‐C_18:1 mixtures in terms of decreasing CP and PP under certain conditions. This was taken as evidence that additives or diluents with chemical structures based on long‐chain saturated chains may be more effective at reducing the cold flow properties of mixtures with biodiesel than structures based on long‐chain unsaturated chains.     

Kinematic viscosity of biodiesel components (fatty acid alkyl esters) and related compounds at low temperatures

Biodiesel, defined as the mono-alkyl esters of vegetable oils and animal fats is, has undergone rapid development and acceptance as an alternative diesel fuel. Kinematic viscosity is one of the fuel properties specified in biodiesel standards, with 40 °C being the temperature at which this property is to be determined and ranges of acceptable kinematic viscosity given. While data on kinematic viscosity of biodiesel and related materials at higher temperatures are available in the literature, this work reports on the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel and a variety of fatty acid alkyl esters at temperatures from 40 °C down to −10 °C in increments of 5 °C using the appropriately modified standard reference method ASTM D445. Investigating the low-temperature properties of biodiesel, including viscosity, of biodiesel and its components is important because of the problems associated with the use of biodiesel under these conditions. Such data may aid in developing biodiesel fuels optimized for fatty ester composition. An index termed here the low-temperature viscosity ratio (LTVR) using data at 0 °C and 40 °C (divide viscosity value at 0 °C by viscosity value at 40 °C) was used to evaluate individual compounds but also mixtures by their low-temperature viscosity behavior. Compounds tested included a variety of saturated, monounsaturated, diunsaturated and triunsaturated fatty esters, methyl ricinoleate, in which the OH group leads to a significant increase in viscosity as well as triolein, as well as some fatty alcohols and alkanes. Esters of oleic acid have the highest viscosity of all biodiesel components that are liquids at low temperatures. The behavior of blends of biodiesel and some fatty esters with a low-sulfur diesel fuel was also investigated.     

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.     

Cetane numbers of branched and straight-chain fatty esters determined in an ignition quality tester

The cetane number, a widely used diesel fuel quality parameter related to the ignition delay time (and combustion quality) of a fuel, has been applied to alternative diesel fuels such as biodiesel and its components. In this work, the cetane numbers of 29 samples of straight-chain and branched C₁-C₄ esters as well as 2-ethylhexyl esters of various common fatty acids were determined. The cetane numbers of these esters are not significantly affected by branching in the alcohol moiety. Therefore, branched esters, which improve the cold-flow properties of biodiesel, can be employed without greatly influencing ignition properties compared to the more common methyl esters. Unsaturation in the fatty acid chain was again the most significant factor causing lower cetane numbers. Cetane numbers were determined in an ignition quality tester (IQT) which is a newly developed, automated rapid method using only small amounts of material. The IQT is as applicable to biodiesel and its components as previous cetane-testing methods.     

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.     

Preparation and properties of fully esterified erythritol

Pure tetraesters of erythritol with C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄, C₁₆, C₁₈ saturated, and C_18:1 unsaturated (oleoyl) fatty acyl chains have been prepared for the first time and characterized using the acylating systems fatty acid/N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide/4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), fatty acid anhydride/DMAP, fatty acyl chloride/pyridine, and fatty acyl chloride/boron trifluoride etherate. For the first three systems the yields were in the range of 80–90% while the fatty acyl chloride/pyridine system has the advantage of lower cost. The fatty acyl chloride/boron trifluoride etherate system gave lower (ca 70%) yields of the tetraesters. The tetraesters of erythritol may have applications analogues to those of triglycerides. In addition, new applications can be envisaged for these compounds, as a result of their differences in physical, chemical, and biochemical properties compared to triglycerides. Practical applications: The tetraesters of erythritol with saturated fatty acyl chains may have applications analogous to those of saturated triglycerides. However, tetraesters with unsaturated fatty acid chains may have greater prospects of having industrial uses after doing chemistry on the carbon–carbon double bonds.     

Transesterification of Fish Oil to Produce Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters Using Ultrasonic Energy

This study evaluated the production of fatty acid ethyl esters from fish oil using ultrasonic energy and alkaline catalysts dissolved in ethanol. The feasibility of fatty acid ethyl ester production was determined using an ultrasonic bath and probe, and between 0.5 and 1% KOH (added to the fish oil). Furthermore, factors such as ultrasonic device (bath and probe), catalyst (KOH and C₂H₅ONa), temperature (20 and 60 °C), and duration of exposure (10–90 min) were assessed. Sodium ethoxide was found to be a more efficient catalyst than KOH when transesterifying fish oil. Ultrasonic energy applied for greater than 30 min at 60 °C using 0.8% of C₂H₅ONa as a catalyst transesterified over 98% fish oil triglycerides to fatty acid ethyl esters. It is reasonable to conclude that the yield of fatty acid ethyl esters produced by applying ultrasonic energy to fish oil is related to the sonication time. Due to increases in the surface area contact between the reactants and the catalyst, ultrasonic energy has the potential to reduce the production time required by a conventional large-scale commercial transesterification method that uses agitation as a way of mixing.     

Chemical structure of long-chain esters from “sansa” olive oil

The major objective of this study was to determine the chemical structure of long-chain esters present in lower-grade olive oil. The classes of esters composing the hexanediethyl ether (99∶1) extract of the wax fraction from a pomace olive oil were: (i) esters of oleic acid with C₁−C₆ alcohols, (ii) esters of oleic acid with long-chain aliphatic alcohols in the range C₂₂−C₂₈ and (iii) benzyl alcohol esters of the very long-chain saturated fatty acids C₂₆ and C₂₈. The analysis and the structure assignments were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and by comparison with synthetic authentic model compounds. This work provided precise data on the chemical nature of the wax esters present in olive oil and should represent a means to detect adulteration of higher-grade olive oil with less expensive pomace olive oil and seed oils.     

Effects of High Temperatures and Duration of Heating on Olive Oil Properties for Food Use and Biodiesel Production

Heating deteriorates the physicochemical properties of a vegetable oil for both edible and biofuel uses. The parameters for edible olive oil are established by European Union regulations and by the International Olive Council. The properties of a vegetable oil to be used as a source for biodiesel production are indicated by the German DIN 51605 for rapeseed oil. Biofuel properties are described by the European EN 14214 and the North American ASTM 6751 standards for biodiesel. It is useful to know how temperature and heating duration influence the physicochemical properties of olive oil. Free acidity, refractive index and myristic acid were not significantly influenced by temperature and heating duration. K232, K266, K270, K274, p-anisidine value, totox index, kinematic viscosity (at 30, 40, 50 °C), estimated higher heating value, relative density, and cetane number increased during olive oil heating. The biological properties: iodine value, oxidative stability index, antiradical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, DPPH?) activity, and phenol content, decreased when time and temperature increased. Fatty acid methyl esters were highly influenced by the applied variables. Almost all the fatty acid methyl esters, except myristic, stearic, and arachidic acid esters, were influenced by the combined effect of temperature and time in a very highly significant level. These results show how temperature and duration of heating influence extra virgin olive oil degradation for both edible use and biodiesel production.     

Fatty Acid Composition in Ergosteryl Esters and Triglycerides from the Fungus Ganoderma lucidum

Free and esterified ergosterols are detected almost solely in fungi and are often employed as a biomarker of living fungi. In this work, the fatty acid composition and δ¹³C values of major fatty acids in triglycerides and ergosteryl esters from the fungus Ganoderma lucidum were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer and gas chromatography–isotopic ratio mass spectrometer, respectively. The results showed that the fatty acid profiles varied in triglycerides and ergosteryl esters. The percentage of saturated fatty acids in ergosteryl esters was remarkably higher than that in triglycerides, where C_18:1^Δ9c was the predominant fatty acid and constituted 61.26 % of the total fatty acids. In contrast, C_16:0 was the predominant fatty acid and constituted 71.88 % of the total fatty acids in ergosteryl esters. The study suggests that, after fungal death, free ergosterols in the cell membrane of the dead fungus were esterified with preferentially saturated fatty acids, mainly C_16:0, from triglycerides and then stored in lipid particles for a longer period while free ergosterol markedly decreased. The δ¹³C values of C_16:0, C_18:0, C_18:1 and C_18:2 in ergosteryl esters exhibit a pronounced depletion in ¹³C compared with that in triglycerides within the range of ?1.3 to ?0.9 ‰, supporting the above inference. It is again suggested that free ergosterol in the cell membrane should be used as an indicator of living fungi, and ergosteryl esters in the lipid particles should not be included in the measurement of living fungal biomass.     

Combustion characteristics of fatty acid methyl esters derived from recycled cooking oil

The goal of this study is to find out the exhaust emissions differences produced by different kinds of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) derived from used cooking oils and animal fats, as well as the importance of the purification step in exhaust emissions production. A total of 120 L of waste vegetable oil and 30 L of waste frying oil were collected and converted into three batches of FAME. There were two batches of FAME produced from waste vegetable oil (B01 and B02), and one batch of FAME produced by mixing 2% of waste frying oil with waste vegetable oil (B03). The FAMEs used in this study had higher density, kinematic viscosity, and flash point, but a lower gross heating value, when compared to the premium diesel. The B01 engine produced higher CO formation and the diesel-fuelled engine produced higher CO than the B02 and B03 did for engine speeds higher than 1400 rpm. Most of the FAME fuels produced higher CO₂ than the diesel fuel did. The FAME fuels emitted higher NO_x and PM, but lower SO₂, than the diesel fuel. C_nH_2n+2, diphenyl sulfone (C₁₂H₁₀O₂S), and diethyl phthalate (C₁₂H₁₄O₄) can be selected as the character index for the combustion of FAME.     

An efficient and expeditious synthesis of phytostanyl esters in a solvent‐free system

Esterification of natural phytostanols with various fatty acids by using Lewis acid‐surfactant combined catalyst was investigated. For synthesis of phytostanol esters of saturated fatty acids, cuprum dodecyl sulfate [Cu(DS)₂] was the most desirable catalyst due to its high selectivity, reusability, activity, and less corrosivity, whereas stanol selectivity with other catalysts, such as ZnCl₂ and tungstophosphoric acid. The substrate molar ratio of 1.2:1 (lauric acid/phytostanols) was the optimal. For synthesis of phytostanol esters of unsaturated fatty acids, cerium dodecyl sulfate [Ce(DS)₃] was better than [Cu(DS)₂] which was based on the oxidation of the unsaturated fatty acids during the reaction. The chemical structure of the sitostanyl stearate, sitostanyl oleate, and sitostanyl linoleate were confirmed by FTIR, MS, and NMR, respectively. As a result, the [Cu(DS)₂] and [Ce(DS)₃] were screened to synthesize phytostanyl esters of fatty acids for commercial production. Practical applications: Phytostanols are important for human health and nutrition. Unfortunately, due to the poor solubility of free stanols (unesterified) in fats and oils, there is a demand for a good way to improve the solubility or bioavailability of phytostanols, such as esterification of phytostanols with fatty acids. This study aims at finding an efficient and expeditious synthesis of phytostanyl esters. At the same time, environmental impact and the oxidation of the unsaturated fatty acids during the reaction should be considered.     

Preparation of rapeseed oil esters of lower aliphatic alcohols

Rapeseed oil esters with lower aliphatic alcohols (C₁−C₄) were prepared in simple batch mode using an alkali (KOH) or acid (H₂SO₄) catalyst. The transesterification reaction conditions were optimized in order to obtain high yields of esters of the quality defined by standards for biodiesel fuels and for a short reaction time. Under these conditions it was possible to prepare only the methyl and ethyl esters catalyzed by KOH. Propyl and butyl esters were obtained only under acid catalysis conditions. The reaction catalyzed by H₂SO₄ was successfully accelerated using slightly higher catalyst concentrations at the boiling points of the alcohols used. The branched-chain alcohols reacted more slowly than their linear homologs, while t-butanol did not react at all. It was also possible to transesterify rapeseed oil using a mixture of alcohols characteristic of the end products of some fermentation processes (e.g., the acetone-butanol fermentation). A simple calculation was made which showed that, because of the higher price of longer-chain alcohols and because of the more intensive energy input during production the esters of these alcohols, they are economically unfavorable as biodiesel fuels when compared with the methyl ester.     

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.     

Identification, FT-IR, NMR (H and C) and GC/MS studies of fatty acid methyl esters in biodiesel from rocket seed oil

Biodiesel was synthesized from rocket seed oil by base-catalyzed transesterification with methanol. The synthesis of biodiesel was confirmed by FT-IR and NMR (¹H and ¹³C) spectroscopy. Various fuel properties of the synthesized biodiesel were determined using ASTM methods and discussed accordingly. A total of eleven fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified in rocket seed oil biodiesel (RSOB) by the retention time and the fragmentation pattern data of GC/MS analysis. The identified FAMEs were, methyl 9-hexadecenoate (C16:1), 14-methyl pentadecanoate (C16:0), methyl 9,12-octadecadienoate (C18:2), methyl 9-octadecenoate (C18:1), methyl octadecanoate (C18:0), methyl 11-eicosenoate (C20:1), methyl eicosanoate (C20:0), methyl 13-docosenoate (C22:1), methyl docosanoate (C22:0), methyl 15-tetracosenoate (24:1) and methyl tetracosanoate (C24:0). The percentage conversion of triglycerides to corresponding methyl esters determined by ¹H NMR was 88.49%.     

Determination of physicochemical properties of some fatty acid methyl esters by gas liquid chromatography

Physicochemical data such as vapor pressures (p⁰), heats of vaporization (ΔH_v), activity coefficents at infinite dilution (γ^∞) and excess partial molar entropy (ΔS _e ⁰ ) are considered important for conducting unit processes and designing reactor equipment. Scanty information regarding such data is available in the literature for the higher fatty acid methyl esters. The objective of this research was to determine the physicochemical properties of higher fatty acid methyl esters (C₁₁–C₂₃) by a gas-liquid chromatographic technique with SE-30 and diethylene glycol adipate as stationary phases. Correlations between carbon numbers and various thermodynamic properties have indicated definite trends, which could be useful in predicting the properties of unknown fatty acid methyl esters. The data generated may be useful to chemical engineers in the construction of storage tanks, solvent extractors and distillation columns. IICT communication no. 2993.