ARS | Publication request: Survey of alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production

Submitted to: National Biodiesel Board Biodiesel Technical Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 15, 2010
Publication Date: November 2, 2010
Citation: Moser, B.R., Vaughn, S.F., Knothe, G.H., Isbell, T. 2010. Survey of alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production [abstract]. National Biodiesel Board Biodiesel Technical Workshop. 1.

Technical Abstract: Summarized will be results obtained from the production of biodiesel from several alternative feedstocks with promising agronomic characteristics. Such feedstocks include camelina (Camelina sativa L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), and meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba L.). Fatty acid methyl esters were prepared in high yield from these feedstocks following the classic alkaline-catalyzed transesterification procedure. Fuel properties measured and compared to applicable biodiesel standards included oxidative stability, cold flow, viscosity, energy content, specific gravity, iodine value, acid value, glycerol content, cetane number, as well as sulfur and phosphorous content. Coriander significantly, and especially meadowfoam oil methyl esters, exhibited exceptional oxidative stability, well exceeding the minimum specified limits in ASTM D6751 and EN 14214.