Work

Effects and mechanisms of novel multifunctional additives on critical biodiesel properties

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study developed a multifunctional additive through the ternary copolymerization of stearyl methacrylate, oleic acid, and itaconic anhydride, grafted with antioxidant functional groups butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and 3,5-di- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DTBHA). Experimental results demonstrated that the POL-BHA (3:1:1) additive at 500 ppm exhibited the optimal pour point depression effect, reducing the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of waste cooking oil biodiesel by 7.5 °C. At 500 ppm, POL-BHA (1:1:1) provided corrosion protection comparable to the monomeric BHA additive (copper sheet corrosion rating of Class 1b). Simultaneously, the additive significantly enhanced oxidative stability. At 2500 ppm, POL-BHA (1:1:1) extended the biodiesel oxidation induction period to 12.55 h. Using techniques including polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and molecular dynamics simulations, this study revealed the pour point depression mechanism of the additive. The results indicate that the mechanism of action of this additive may involve selective adsorption on specific crystal planes, which inhibits unidirectional growth and promotes the formation of feather-like dendritic structures. In terms of antioxidant mechanisms, additives may achieve enhanced oxidative stability by relying on metal ion chelation; while in corrosion inhibition mechanisms, It is speculated that the mechanism reduces corrosivity by forming a dense molecular film on the metal surface. This work provides a comprehensive strategy for designing integrated additives, offering significant advancements in biodiesel quality enhancement and practical application.

Source: Fuel

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2025.137438

Authors: Ning Bai, Zihao Ni, Fashe Li, Huicong Zhang, Hua Wang, Jiahe Zhang

Institution: Kunming University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Biodiesel Production and Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Cultivating Plan Program for the Leader in Science and Technology of Yunnan Province, National Major Science and Technology Projects of China, Major Science and Technology Projects in Yunnan Province