An overview of the properties of fatty acid alkyl esters

Authors: Knothe, Gerhard

Submitted to: Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Oil Chemists' Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/22/2016
Publication Date: 5/1/2016
Citation: Knothe, G.H. 2016. An overview of the properties of fatty acid alkyl esters [abstract]. American Oil Chemists' Society Annual Meeting and Expo. p. 40.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fatty acid alkyl esters of plant oils, especially in the form of methyl esters, have numerous applications with fuel use having received the most attention in recent times due to the potential high volume. Various properties imparted by neat fatty acid alkyl esters have been shown to influence fuel use, including not only cetane number and other combustion-related aspects, but also kinematic viscosity, melting point, oxidative stability, lubricity, and density. These properties, however, are of significance also for other applications of fatty acid alkyl esters; for example, lubricants and solvents. An overview of these properties will be given in relation not only to fuel use but also in relation to other applications.