Investigations on the Thermophysical Properties of Binary Systems of Fatty Acid Esters plus Dimethyl Carbonate

Carbonate esters are used as additives in biodiesel to improve its thermophysical properties for better applicability. In this work, the experimental densities, dynamic viscosities and refractive indices for binary mixtures of dimethyl carbonate and four fatty acid esters (methyl decanoate, ethyl decanoate, methyl laurate, ethyl laurate) have been measured and presented over the complete concentration range at temperatures range from 293.15 to 323.15 K under normal pressure. The excess molar volumes and the viscosity deviations of the four binary mixtures were calculated with the measured data and correlated with the Redlich-Kister equation. The excess Gibbs energy of activation was also calculated. From the values of excess properties of the binary mixtures and its deviations indicate that the changes of molecular interactions in the mixtures. The experimental results could be useful for the study of biodiesel-carbonate blended fuels.

Automated summary

This study measured and studied the properties of binary mixtures of dimethyl carbonate and four fatty acid esters, and calculated the excess molar volumes, viscosity deviations, and excess Gibbs energy of activation. The experimental results are useful for the study of biodiesel-carbonate blended fuels.