Chapter 12: Overview and Testing of Fuel Properties of Biodiesel

Over the past few decades, substantial computational and scientific research has been performed to develop innovative, sustainable, and substitute fuels as a result of increasing environmental pollution from diesel engines and the limitations of traditional fossil fuels. Owing to its renewable nature, non-toxicity, and environmental friendliness, biodiesel has been identified as a suitable alternative fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel has excellent characteristics compared with normal diesel fuels. The performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of biodiesel are significantly affected by its physical and chemical properties, including kinematic viscosity, oxidation stability, cetane number, sulfur content, pour point, cloud point, flash point, density, and calorific value, all of which need to be assessed. The physical and chemical characteristics of biodiesel are different from those of petroleum-based diesel fuel, and the quality of the fuel is mostly influenced by the amount of fatty acids present and the chemical composition of the feedstocks. Consequently, generated biodiesel must adhere to international standards and requirements in order to be marketed and applied as a fuel in automobile engines.