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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Bio-oils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #267708

Title: The effects of minor constituents on biodiesel cold flow properties: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses

Author
item Dunn, Robert - Bob

Submitted to: Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Oil Chemists' Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2011
Publication Date: 5/1/2011
Citation: Dunn, R.O. 2011. The effects of minor constituents on biodiesel cold flow properties: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses [abstract]. Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Oil Chemists' Society. Meeting program addendum. p. 5.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats and other lipid feedstocks. Fuel properties and performance of biodiesel during cold weather are influenced by factors related to lipid feedstock as well as small concentrations of monoacylglycerols and other minor constituents. This study applies a thermodynamic model based on the Hildebrand equation to determine the effects of small concentrations of minor constituents on crystallization onset temperature of biodiesel. DSC curves were analyzed to determine melting point (MP) and enthalpy of fusion of various FAME components, monopalmitin, monostearin, monooleate, distearin, tristearin, palmitic acid, stearic acid, glycerol, and water in pure form. Data calculated from thermodynamic models were compared with direct experimental measurement of CP of corresponding mixtures of FAME and constituents.