Effect of antioxidants on the oxidative stability and combustion characteristics of biodiesel fuels in an indirect-injection (IDI) diesel engine

Biodiesel fuels that consist of saturated and unsaturated long-chain fatty acid alkyl esters are an alternative diesel fuel produced from vegetable oils or animal fats. However, autoxidation of biodiesel fuels during storage is easily caused by air, reducing fuel quality by adversely affecting its properties such as kinematic viscosity and acid value. One approach to improve the resistance of biodiesel fuels to autoxidation is to mix them with antioxidants. This study investigated the effectiveness of five such antioxidants in mixtures with biodiesel fuels produced by three biodiesel manufacturers: butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), propyl gallate (PrG) and α-tocopherol. An engine test was also performed to investigate the combustion characteristics of biodiesel fuel with antioxidants in an indirect-injection (IDI) diesel engine. Oxidation stability was determined using Rancimat equipment. The results showed that TBHQ, BHA, and BHT were the most effective and α-tocopherol was the least effective in increasing the oxidation stability of biodiesel. The combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions in diesel engine were not influenced by the addition of antioxidants in biodiesel fuel. This study recommends TBHQ and PrG to be used for safeguarding biodiesel fuel from the effects of autoxidation during storage.