Modification of Rheological Properties of Biofuels From Soybean Oil

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of fuel additives on rheological properties of crude soybean oil was presented. The tests were performed for low shear rates (1.2 - 12.4 s-1) at a temperature range of 5 to 30oC. The fuel mixtures were prepared in a proportion of 80% soybean oil to 20% diesel or 20% depressor. Flow curves, viscosity curves, flow index and consistency coefficients were determined. Diluting soybean oil with fuel additives caused a significant decrease in viscosity and changed the rheological character of the obtained oil biofuels. Diesel oil has reduced the viscosity of soybean oil more visibly than the depressor. Modification of soybean oil by fuel additives significantly reduces the viscosity of the obtained fuel blends and can contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture.