Physical Properties of Methyl Esters Made from Alkali-based Transesterification and Conventional Diesel Fuel

Biodiesel, also known as a biofuel usually produced from vegetable oil, has a potential to replace petroleum biodiesel partially or totally. Currently, a question is being raised whether biodiesel has the properties like diesel fuel and if it is well nominated for diesel replacement. This study intends to compare the properties of methyl ester (biodiesel) of soy bean, sunflower, corn, rice bran, olive, and grape seed together and with petroleum-based diesel fuel in order to investigate whether biodiesels with different vegetable oil origins are good candidates for diesel replacement in the near future. In this study, biodiesels are made through alkali-based transesterification with methanol and potassium hydroxide. Properties, such as specific gravity, viscosity, gross heating value, Cetane number, and flash point, are obtained with distinct ASTM standards. Results state that, except for viscosity, other properties of biodiesels and diesel fuel are comparable to each other.