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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #68249
Title: THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS OXYGENATED COMPOUNDS ON THE CETANE NUMBERS OF FATTY ACIDS AND ESTERS

Author
item Knothe, Gerhard
item Bagby, Marvin
item RYAN, III, THOMAS - SOUTHWEST RES INST

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/17/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The cetane numbers (CN) of four C18 fatty acids of varying unsaturation and their methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl esters were determined in a Constant Volume Combustion Apparatus (CVCA); the CN range from 80.1 for butyl stearate to 20.4 for linolenic acid. In fatty compounds, there are positive correlations between CN and the amount of CH(2) groups as well as between CN and the saturation of the hydrocarbon chains. In addition, the CN of numerous oxygenated compounds with different functional groups were determined. These compounds are possible cetane-improving additives in biodiesel. The neat material with the highest CN had a CN of 234 (!). These compounds were investigated in different concentrations with the various fatty compounds. The effectivity of these compounds varied with concentration, some being more effective at higher concentrations, some at lower concentrations. The compounds had different effects on diesel fuel. One selected compound markedly enhanced the CN of acids in contrast to the esters.