Evaluation of Oxidative Stability of Jatropha curcas L. Biodiesel stored under different temperatures

• Grant number: 12/04377-9
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal researcher: Izabel Cristina Freitas Moraes
• Grantee: Karine Scharanck
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The biodiesel, fuel comprised of alkyl ester of long chain fatty acids, can be derived from vegetable oils, fat animal and/or fatty waste from biomass. In the storage, the biodiesel quality is affected for oxidative process. The velocity this process can to be affected by diverse factors as, for example, oxygen, light and temperature. The products formed in the biodiesel during the oxidations reactions can affect the operation of the diesel engines. Then, it is necessary product conformity assessment in accordance with quality requirements set by Agência Nacional de Petróleo. The storage stability is defined as resistance to chemical and physical changes of the fuels during its storage. Then, the aim of this work is to evaluate oxidative stability of the Jotropha curcas L. biodiesel stored at different temperatures, room temperature and 43°C, for 10 months. The samples will be characterized by chemicals, spectroscopy (UV/Visible and Fourier transform infrared, FTIR), thermal and rheological analysis at times: 0, 20, 40 and 60 days and, thereafter monthly. The biodiesel stability will also be evaluated by accelerate oxidative test, Rancimat method, that it was carried out a Rancimat 843 equipment (Metrohm). Moreover, at zero time, it will be studied the temperature effect from 5 to 60°C in the behavior and rheological properties this biodiesel. This project will be made in the Food Technology and Multiuser Laboratories of the Food Engineering Department of the FZEA-USP, campus Pirassununga, which has adequate infra-structure. At project end, it is expected as results: to know the rheological behavior taking into account variations in temperature, to predict the shelf life of Jotropha curcas L. and to contribute to the discussion of alternatives to improve the quality of biodiesel during storage.