LOW-COST BIODIESEL FROM CYNARA OIL

This work deals with the feasibility of producing biodiesel from cynara oil on the assumption that the whole crop produce is used for energy purposes. Crop production costs are shared between the lignocellulosic biomass and the oil seeds of cynara grown in the rainfed conditions of Central Spain. The state-of-the-art is analysed in relation to traditional oilseed crops. Estimates of the cost of cynara oil and cynara biodiesel in the Spanish context are advanced, assuming the selective application of the crop produce. Properties of the cynara biodiesel obtained by ethanolysis and methanolysis are presented with reference to biodiesel standards.