Multifunctional Diesel Fuel Additives from Triglycerides

Abstract

Nitrate derivatives of soybean oil were synthesized and evaluated as diesel fuel additives. The goal of this phase I commercialization effort was to develop a renewable cetane improver, alternative to 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (EHN) which currently dominates the cetane improver market. The products exhibited NO x -reducing capabilities similar to that of EHN when used in a diesel fuel. They also provided significant lubricity enhancement to the fuels at the same concentrations used to provide the cetane enhancement. Depending on the product, these additives exhibit increased stability and lower volatility than EHN. Commercially competitive enhancements of both ignition-related properties and lubricity where achieved in a single product.