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Thermal behavior of Jatropha curcas oils and their derived fatty acid ethyl esters as potential feedstocks for energy production in Cuba

Abstract:

The thermal behavior and oxidative stability of Jatropha curcas oils and their derived fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) obtained from two different Cuban regions and varieties are evaluated. A decrease in acid value is found for the FAEE compared to the oils from both natural sources. Primary and secondary oxidation products are significantly different among samples. Thermogravimetry and the derivate thermogravimetry were applied to the oils and FAEE samples using air and nitrogen atmospheres. The main differences between oil and FAEE derived from Jatropha oil are the number of decomposition steps that are lower in FAEE samples. Concerning the onset temperature in the mass loss process, no pattern is observed when oils and the derived FAEE are compared. A comparison among biofuels obtained from the different regions shows that the biofuels obtained from one of both plantations are less thermally stable and they also have more oxidation activity. The obtained results can influence the engine performance and exhaust emissions when these biofuels are used as fuels. © Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary 2011.