Effect of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Biodiesel

Case ID:
08-890

Researchers at WSU’s National Biofuels Energy Laboratory have identified antioxidant additives for biodiesel fuel made from a variety of feedstock that provide advantages to current technologies.

A significant problem associated with the commercial acceptance of biodiesel fuel is poor oxidative stability. The presence of high levels of unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) makes biodiesel very susceptible to oxidation as compared to petroleum diesel. Oxidative processes can lead to the formation of insolubles which can potentially plug fuel filters and injection systems. The increased acidity and increased peroxide value as a result of oxidation reactions can also cause the corrosion of fuel system components hardening of rubber components and fusion of moving components.

Competitive Advantages

• Improve the long term storage stability of B20 and B100 fuels

• Exceed the ASTM D6751-07 standard by as much as four times

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Nic Wetzler
Wayne State University
nic.wetzler@wayne.edu
Inventors:
Ka Yuen Simon Ng
Steven Salley
Haiying Tang
Keywords:
Biodiesel