Synthesis, properties and effects of a multi-functional biodiesel fuel additive

This study focused on providing a holistic solution to biodiesel instability challenges using a fuel additive . Three different samples of the multi-functional fuel additive (MFA 1, MFA 2 and MFA 3) were synthesized from abundant lignocellulose-based feedstock. Findings from their property evaluation reveal that 29.67 ± 8.08, 44.67 ± 2.31 and 53.33 ± 8.08% 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition with the MFA 1, MFA 2 and MFA 3 respectively, which shows an obvious antioxidation property. Also, findings obtained from the analysis of the additives using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) reveal a reduction in crystallization temperature of biodiesel by 3.96, 8.79 and 14.25 °C with the MFA 1, MFA 2 and MFA 3 respectively, which signifies a robust anti-freezing property. Furthermore, the additives exhibited antibacterial and antifungal properties against some bacterial and fungal strains that were reported to have negative effects on biodiesel ( Bacillus pumilus and Paecilomyces variotii respectively). For instance, the least zones of inhibition of 22.33 ± 0.58and 35.00 ± 5.03 mm were recorded with MFA 1 against the Bacillus pumilus and Paecilomyces variotii respectively using agar well method. Strikingly, biodiesel doped with MFA 2 exhibited improved oxidation stability, lower freezing temperature and strong inhibition against the microbial strains without taking other important properties of biodiesel out of standard specifications.