Fatty acids propyl esters: Synthesis optimization and application properties of their blends with diesel and 1-propanol

This paper studied the influence of four reaction parameters-temperature (40-80 degrees C), time (1-3 h), mass % of catalyst (1-3 wt%) and molar ratio of 1-propanol to sunflower oil (6:1-10:1)-on the conversion of biodiesel. To achieve a conversion of 95% or above, the transesterification was optimized to reduce the time, temperature, molar ratio of 1-propanol to sunflower oil and mass % of catalyst. The optimal conditions were a temperature of 40 degrees C, time of 1 h, 1-propanol to oil molar ratio at 8.71:1 and mass % of catalyst of 1.96%. The fatty acid propyl esters (FAPRE) were purified and blended with 1-propanol and mineral diesel to determine the application properties as transportation fuels. The addition of FAPRE to diesel increases the density and viscosity and improves the lubricity with no effect on CFPP even with 10 vol% of FAPRE. On the contrary, the addition of 1-propanol in the FAPRE-diesel blends had an opposite effect (decrease in density, viscosity and lubricity). Nevertheless, all the blends satisfied the requirements according to EN 590 for the tested properties. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study optimized the conversion of biodiesel by adjusting parameters such as temperature, time, molar ratio, and catalyst mass, and evaluated the properties of fatty acid propyl esters blended with diesel.