Fatty acids methyl esters.

Comparison of physicochemical properties of select natural fats and their methyl esters
SKRZYŃSKA E., MATYJA M.

Please cite as: CHEMIK 2011, 65, 10, 923-935

This article presents the current state of biodiesel production in Europe, with particular attention putted onto the quality requirements in different countries, and differences between methyl esters properties derived from various raw materials. The properties
of fatty raw materials available in the domestic market, such as: rapeseed, sunflower, corn, linseed, soybean, olive and castor oils, and also the lard, as well as their methyl esters were investigated. The analysis show that the methyl esters of castor oil can be extremely valuable addition to the fuels, which improves their low and high temperature properties. Thus, it is possible to improve the quality of esters derived from animal or waste, gastronomic fats. Moreover, the special attention was putted onto the possibility
of an empirical analysis of the biofuels selected properties (on the basis of their chemical composition), which allows planning and improving their quality.

Keywords: vegetable oil, animal fats, fatty acids methyl esters properties,