Biodiesel: Raw Materials, Production Technologies and Fuel Properties

The entire biodiesel production chain developed tremendously in regions all over the world and this biofuel has established itself as one of the main alternatives to replace petroleumderived fuels. Several studies have already demonstrated its compatibility with diesel oil and the international standards have evolved to ensure safety and satisfaction to the end- users. Although already losing priority in stronger economies such as United States, Germany and France, this production chain is still expanding considerably in emerging economies such as Brazil, where it has been established as a project of great scientific, technological, political and economic interests. In this article, important aspects of the biodiesel production and use are revised in detail, particularly in relation to the availability of suitable raw materials in large scale as well as to the chemistry involved in the technologies available to date for its conversion to biofuels that are fully compatible with diesel fuel applications.