Comparing biofuels obtained from pyrolysis, of soybean oil or soapstock, with traditional soybean biodiesel: Density, kinematic viscosity, and surface tensions

A product with diesel-like properties was synthesized by a pyrolysis method, from either edible soybean oil or an inedible soybean soapstock starting material (PD and SD, respectively). Some physical properties of the material were studied, neat and in blends, with both high- and low-sulfur diesel fuels (HSD and LSD) and at a range of different temperatures. The kinematic viscosities at 40 degrees C were 4.5 mm(2) s(-1) for PD and 3.8 mm(2) s(-1) for SD, which were reduced in a linear fashion by the addition of HSD or LSD. The densities of the fuels at 40 degrees C were 0.853 and 0.844 g mL(-1), very similar to the density of HSD. The surface tensions of the compounds, also at 40 degrees C, were 27.1 mN m(-1) for PD and 26.2 mN m(-1) for SD. A comparison to traditional biodiesel was made and, overall, lead to the conclusion that the pyrolysis products are a viable alternative.