Synthesis, properties and effects of a multi-functional biodiesel fuel additive

This study focused on providing a holistic solution to biodiesel instability challenges using a fuel additive. Three different samples of the multi-functional fuel additive (MFA 1, MFA 2 and MFA 3) were synthesized from abundant lignocellulose-based feedstock. Findings from their property evaluation reveal that 29.67 +/- 8.08, 44.67 +/- 2.31 and 53.33 +/- 8.08% 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition with the MFA 1, MFA 2 and MFA 3 respectively, which shows an obvious antioxidation property. Also, findings obtained from the analysis of the additives using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) reveal a reduction in crystallization temperature of biodiesel by 3.96, 8.79 and 14.25 degrees C with the MFA 1, MFA 2 and MFA 3 respectively, which signifies a robust anti-freezing property. Furthermore, the additives exhibited antibacterial and antifungal properties against some bacterial and fungal strains that were reported to have negative effects on biodiesel pumilus and Paecilomyces variotii respectively). For instance, the least zones of inhibition of 22.33 +/- 0.58 and 35.00 +/- 5.03 mm were recorded with MFA 1 against the Bacillus pumilus and Paecilomyces variotii respectively using agar well method. Strikingly, biodiesel doped with MFA 2 exhibited improved oxidation stability, lower freezing temperature and strong inhibition against the microbial strains without taking other important properties of biodiesel out of standard specifications.