ARS | Publication request: Fuel Properties of Biodiesel Components

Submitted to: Great Lakes Regional American Chemical Society Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: August 15, 2004
Publication Date: October 17, 2004
Citation: Knothe, G.H. 2004. Fuel properties of biodiesel components [abstract]. Great Lakes Regional American Chemical Society Symposium. p. 162.

Technical Abstract: Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel obtained by transesterifying vegetable oils or animal fats, is a mixture of alkyl esters of fatty acids. The physical and fuel properties of the individual alkyl esters are determined by both the fatty acid and alcohol moieties of the esters. Such properties have also been included in biodiesel standards. Structural factors influencing these properties include chain length, unsaturation, and branching. Important properties affected include cetane number, cold flow, oxidative stability, viscosity, and lubricity. This presentation will discuss the relationships between the aforementioned structural factors and properties.