Biodiesel production from tung (Vernicia montana) oil and its blending properties in different fatty acid compositions

The feasibility of biodiesel production from tung (Vernicia montana) oil was investigated with respect to the transesterification yield and biodiesel properties. Tung oil has poor oxidation stability due to the instability of the conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds in the alpha-elaeostearic acid. The methyl elaeostearate is the predominant component (82.2 wt.%) of the tung oil biodiesel. The tung oil biodiesel has the low cold filter plugging point of -11 degrees C, ester content of 94.9 wt.%, and oxidation stability (110 degrees C) of 0.3 h. Moreover, the tung oil biodiesel exhibits the high density of 903 kg/m(3)at 15 degrees C, kinematic viscosity of 7.84 mm(2)/s at 40 degrees C, and iodine value of 161.1 g l(2)/100g. The properties of the tung oil biodiesel can be improved by blending with canola and palm oil biodiesels to satisfy the biodiesel specifications. In addition, multiple linear correlations between biodiesel properties and its methyl ester composition were established. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.