Written by an accomplished author this book discusses all major aspects on the production and properties of biodiesel, but the main focus is on the two very important properties of oxidative stability and low-temperature flow. Examples of key chapters include: biodiesel properties, fuel specifications, oxidative stability and low-temperature flow properties, engine efficiency and emissions using biodiesel, major sources for biodiesel production, the present state of the biodiesel industry. One additional feature of the book is that it contains a comprehensive section on biodiesel resources. In this section the reader will be directed to fifty Indian unknown plants, that contain more than 30% oil in their seed or fruit. The author discusses in significant detail the statistical relationship between fatty acid compositions and other biodiesel properties. To bring the book to a final conclusion the food versus fuel issue is discussed and possible solutions. The book will be essential reading for chemists, chemical engineers and agricultural scientists working in both industry and academia on the production of biofuels. Research and development continues to evolve on the production and properties of biodiesel. Oxidative stability and low-temperature flow properties are aspects that have a significant impact on the commercial viability of biodiesel. Written by an accomplished author this book discusses all major aspects on the production and properties of biodiesel, but the main focus is on the two very important properties of oxidative stability and low-temperature flow. Examples of key chapters include: biodiesel properties, fuel specifications, oxidative stability and low-temperature flow properties, engine efficiency and emissions using biodiesel, major sources for biodiesel production and the present state of the biodiesel industry. One additional feature of the book is that it contains a comprehensive section on biodiesel resources. In this section the reader will be directed to fifty Indian unknown plants that contain more than 30% oil in their seed or fruit. The author discusses in significant detail the statistical relationship between fatty acid compositions and other biodiesel properties. To bring the book to a final conclusion the food versus fuel issue is discussed and possible solutions. The book will be essential reading for chemists, chemical engineers and agricultural scientists working in both industry and academia on the production of biofuels. Amit Sarin graduated with an MSc in physics from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India in 2000. He completed his PhD in 2011 at Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, India. The main focus of his research was the study of metallic and organic contaminants on biodiesel stability and physico-chemical properties. He is currently Associate Professor at Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology (NBA Accredited), where he has been employed as a senior lecturer since 2002. He has published extensively on the production and properties of biodiesel in several high-impact factor journals such as Energy, Energy and Fuels and the Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. He is an accomplished author having written and contributed to several books on electrical engineering, electronics and electrical physics. He is an active member of many international societies such as the Asia-Pacific Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering Society (APCBEES) and the European Society for Environmental History. Biodiesel Production and Properties By Amit Sarin The Royal Society of Chemistry Copyright © 2012 Amit Sarin All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-84973-470-7 Contents List of Abbreviations, xxi, Chapter 1 Introduction, 1, Chapter 2 Vegetable Oil as a Fuel: Can it be used Directly?, 5, Chapter 3 Biodiesel Properties and Specifications, 31, Chapter 4 Oxidation Stability of Biodiesel, 51, Chapter 5 Low-Temperature Flow Properties of Biodiesel, 80, Chapter 6 Dependence of Other Properties of Biodiesel on Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Composition and Other Factors, 107, Chapter 7 Major Resources for Biodiesel Production, 168, Chapter 8 Diesel Engine Efficiency and Emissions using Biodiesel and its Blends, 140, Chapter 9 Present State and Policies of the Biodiesel Industry, 204, Chapter 10 The Food Versus Fuel Issue: Possible Solutions, 231, Subject Index, 239, CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1.1 Energy Demand Today, more and more countries are prospering through economic reforms and becoming industrially advanced. Energy is a basic requirement for the economic development of every country. Every sector of the economy, including the agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic sectors require energy. According to a report available on the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) website, total world energy consumption was 406 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2000 and is projected to increase to
