Abstract:

In this paper, we studied oil contents of the fruits or seed kernels, fatty acid composition and biodiesel fuel properties of four major potential woody biodiesel plant species (Pistacia chinensis, Xanthoceras sorbifolia, Armeniaca sibirica and Armeniaca mandshurica) in the northern region of China. The evaluated biodiesel fuel properties include the density, kinematic viscosity, cetane number, cold filter plugging point and oxidation stability. The results showed that fruits or seed kernels of the four woody plants had high oil content (35.0%, 58.9%, 50.2% and 47.2%, respectively). The Fatty acid composition of their oils accorded with the ideal biodiesel feedstock standard. The four woody plants had good biodiesel fuel properties, especially the cetane number that was conformed to ASTM D6751 standards (P. chinensis met the specification from the EN 14214 biodiesel standard), and the cold fluidity of A. sibirica and A. mandshurica were excellent (cold filter plugging point of -14℃). In conclusion, the four woody biodiesel plants have been identified as the promising biodiesel feedstock, which result would provide references for the exploitation and utilization of biodiesel plants in the northern region of China.

Key words: biodiesel, fatty acid composition, fuel properties