Effect of tert-butylhydroquinone on biodiesel properties during extreme oxidation conditions

The use of alternative sources for fuel production has been gaining attention in the past years. Thus, role biodiesel seems to be crucial, as it can contribute sustainable economic growth developing countries. main raw materials are vegetable oils, obtaining fatty acid methyl (or ethyl) esters through transesterification with methanol ethanol). properties these natural feedstocks influence quality biodiesel. Specifically, its oxidative stability is usually low, not complying lower limit established by standards. As a consequence, some (especially viscosity and number) vary during storage due oxidation. In order avoid undesirable effects, antioxidant addition, well selection stable necessary. Among them, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) one most popular additives. aim this work was assess evolution from different (cardoon, waste cooking, rapeseed high-oleic safflower oil) extreme oxidation conditions, evaluating effectiveness TBHQ addition on maintenance. result, unstable samples (cardoon cooking biodiesel) required higher amounts (750 450 ppm, respectively) comply standard (induction point = 8 h), whereas did require any 8.35 h). During all kept their number values when right amount added, assuring parameters storage.