Synthesis of Antioxidant and Evaluation of Its Oxidation Stability for Biodiesel

Biodiesel fuels contain unsaturated fatty acid ester, which can easily oxidize, especially when exposed to ultraviolet light. The products formed by this oxidation give rise to sediment or gum formation. As a result, the fuel can contribute to the corrosion and plugging of the filter pump. Antioxidants have been used in an effort to stabilize biodiesels, but there is still a need for a biodiesel composition with improved oxidation stability. In general, good fuel compositions should provide synergistic combinations of a biodiesel and antioxidants. Our work involved the synthesis of antioxidants to improve the oxidative stability of biodiesel fuel.