Experimental Study on Storage and Oxidation Stability of Bitter Apricot Kernel Oil Biodiesel

Worldwide biodiesel is accepted as a substitute for mineral diesel for its almost similar physical and chemical properties. Because biodiesel is produced from vegetable oil, animal fat, or waste frying oil and is composed of a combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, this makes it prone to oxidation with time. As a result of the oxidation, insoluble gums and deposits are formed, which adversely affect the characteristics of the biodiesel and result in corrosion of engine components, such as injectors, piston rings, piston liners, etc., during engine running. In this present study, storage and oxidation stability of biodiesel produced from bitter apricot kernel oil were investigated for 6 months under dark and sunlight storage conditions without being exposed to air. Five antioxidants in small quantity, viz., tert-butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, pyrogallol, and propyl gallate, one per sample, were used to enhance the induction period. The result shows that, by the dosage of antioxidants, biodiesel storage and oxidation stability can be maintained for 6 months in both storage conditions.