Oxidation stability of fatty acid methyl esters as a B100 fuel or as a biocomponent of diesel fuels

Oxidation stability is one of the basic operating properties which is determined for fuels used in diesel engines. The introduction on the market of a new type of fuel of vegetable origin, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and diesel fuels with a certain share of biocomponents (currently up to 7% (V/V)), due to their different chemical composition has caused difficulties, both in maintaining an adequate level of oxidation stability, and in its assessment. These changes obliged fuel producers to use a package of additives that had to be enriched with antioxidants to maintain the required level of fuel stability throughout the entire distribution chain (from the production of the fuel to the end user).