Fuel properties of oil from genetically altered Cuphea viscosissima

A genetically altered plant strain (Cuphea viscosissima VS-320) was identified which produces an oil with elevated levels of medium- and short-chain triglycerides. Previous studies have suggested that such an oil may be appropriate for use as a substitute for diesel fuel without chemical conversion of component triglycerides to methyl esters. This oil is also of interest for other industrial applications. This paper discusses the oil composition of C. viscosissima VS-320 and presents the analysis of several important alternative fuel screening properties of this oil: dynamic viscosity for shear rates of 1.617-64.69 s(-1) at temperatures of 25-80 degrees C, boiling point at atmospheric pressure, temperature dependence of vapor pressure (from 40 to 760 mmHg for the 300-400 degrees C temperature range), and heat of vaporization (Delta H-v). These properties have been established as indicators of fuel performance and can be used for initial screening of possible diesel fuel substitutes. These properties are compared to those of diesel, biodiesel, and vegetable oils. Analysis of these properties suggests that further genetic development of this plant as a source of diesel fuel is warranted. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.