Accepted Manuscript

Influence of copper on the instability and corrosiveness of palm biodiesel and its
blends: An assessment on biodiesel sustainability

M.A. Fazal, N.R. Suhaila, A.S.M.A. Haseeb, Saeed Rubaiee, A. Al-Zahrani

PII: S0959-6526(17)32450-2

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.144

Reference: JCLP 10936

To appear in: Journal of Cleaner Production

Received Date: 09 March 2017

Revised Date: 12 October 2017

Accepted Date: 13 October 2017

Please cite this article as: M.A. Fazal, N.R. Suhaila, A.S.M.A. Haseeb, Saeed Rubaiee, A. Al-
Zahrani, Influence of copper on the instability and corrosiveness of palm biodiesel and its blends:
An assessment on biodiesel sustainability, Journal of Cleaner Production (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.
jclepro.2017.10.144

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 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

Highlights:

 Corrosiveness of B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel) and diesel seems to be similar.

 Biodiesel is compositionally changed slightly upon exposure of copper.

 Oxidation stability of palm biodiesel upon exposure to copper was found to be very poor.
 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

Influence of copper on the instability and corrosiveness of palm biodiesel and its blends:

An assessment on biodiesel sustainability

1M. A. Fazal*, 2N. R. Suhaila, 3A. S. M. A. Haseeb, 4Saeed Rubaiee, 5A Al-Zahrani

1-3Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia

1,4,5Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

4Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

e-mail: 1fazal@uj.edu.sa, 2nursuhaila14@gmail.com, 3haseeb@um.edu.my,

4salrubaiee@uj.edu.sa, 5aalzahrani@uj.edu.sa

*Corresponding author.

E-mail: jewel_mme.buet@yahoo.com, fazal@uj.edu.sa (M. A. Fazal)

Tel: +699 598206210

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Abstract:

Biodiesel is comparatively more corrosive than petroleum diesel; therefore, the issue of

sustainability has become a major concern. Biodiesel is auto-oxidative in nature; thus, its fuel

properties could be changed. The present study aims to investigate the sustainability of

biodiesel and its different blends with diesel in terms of instability and corrosiveness upon

exposure to copper. The investigated fuels are diesel, 20% biodiesel in diesel, 50% biodiesel

in diesel, and pure biodiesel. Immersion tests in the absence and presence of 100 ppm tert-

butylamine or butylated hydroxyanisole additive were conducted at temperatures of 25 °C–

27 °C for 600 and 1200 h. At the end of the tests, corrosion of copper was examined by

weight loss measurement and changes on the metal surface. Metal surfaces were

characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray

diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. Fuel was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass

spectroscopy, and its properties were investigated by density meter and Rancimat method.

Results show that corrosion rate of copper in biodiesel or its high percentage of blends rises

with the increase in immersion time. Corrosion rate of copper in diesel and 20% diesel–

biodiesel blends are similar and do not significantly change with immersion time. To improve

sustainability, BHA is found to be effective in reducing biodiesel oxidation, whereas TBA

reduces the metal surface degradation.

Keywords: palm biodiesel; blends; corrosion; fuel properties.

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Abbreviation:

B0 : diesel SEM : scanning electron microscopy

B20 : 20% biodiesel in diesel EDS : energy dispersive spectroscopy

B50 : 50% biodiesel in diesel XRD : X-ray diffraction

B100 : 100% biodiesel GCMS : gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy

FAAEs : fatty acid alkyl esters AFM : atomic force microscopy

TBA : tert-butylamine IP : induction period

BHA : butylated hydroxyanisole

1. Introduction

Biodiesel is gradually gaining acceptance because it is derived from renewable sources and

has of environmental benefits (Chuah et al. 2017, Caliskan 2017). Chemically, biodiesel

refers to fatty acid alkyl esters that are derived from different feedstocks, such as palm, corn,

rapeseed, soybean, and used fried oil. Fuel properties of biodiesel are extremely close to

those of petroleum diesel. Biodiesel has a few technological advantages over petroleum

diesel (Miri et al. 2017) and it also reduces emission (Aoun et al. 2016). Therefore, biodiesel

appears to be a promising alternative fuel for automobile applications. However, a few

concerns have arisen regarding the properties of biodiesel and its effect on engine durability.

With regard to sustainability, the oxidation and corrosive character of biodiesel appear to be

major concerns (Zuleta et al. 2012; Agarwal et al. 2015; Fazal et al. 2017). These critical

issues might affect fuel quality and the materials that come in contact with biodiesel.

When biodiesel is oxidized, its fuel composition and properties change at different levels.

The underlying principles of biodiesel oxidation have been well documented (Silva et al.

2017). When biodiesel made from unsaturated oil is exposed to oxygen, the oxygen attaches

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itself to the bis-allylic site that is directly adjacent to the two double bonds, thereby initiating

autoxidation reactions. Through oxidation, esters of biodiesel are converted into different

components, including alcohols, ketones, ethers, alkanes, organic acids, aldehydes, and

oligomers (Schaich 2005). Consequently, biodiesel properties, such as acid value, peroxide

value, and viscosity increase, whereas the iodine value and the content of methyl esters

decrease (Zuleta et al. 2012). These properties could be further aggravated when metals are

exposed to biodiesel (Fazal et al. 2017). In addition, the changes in the chemical and physical

properties of biodiesel can affect the integrity and stability of the material, thereby possibly

limiting the extensive use of biodiesel. The oxidation level of biodiesel is measured by

determining the induction period (IP), which corresponds to the appearance of the secondary

oxidation products or low-molecular organic acids. The time that elapses until the appearance

of these secondary reaction products is called oxidation stability, induction time, or IP, which

characterizes the resistance of biodiesel against oxidation. Given its chemical structure,

oxidation rates of biodiesel could depend on many variables, such as temperature, light,

radiation intensity, and presence of different metals.

Owing to the problems that are associated with the corrosion and compatibility of automotive

parts, a high percentage of biodiesel still remains unused in engines. In vehicles, the fuel

remains in direct contact with different parts of the engine, such as the fuel pump, fuel

injector, pistons, and piston rings (Haseeb et al. 2011). Several studies (Haseeb et al. 2011;

Fazal et al. 2014) reported that biodiesel is more corrosive than diesel. The corrosive effects

of biodiesel are mainly caused by the presence of water and free fatty acids. The chemical

composition of biodiesel changes upon exposure to metals in biodiesel. In addition, biodiesel

degradation causes enhanced corrosion of metal surfaces. Upon exposure to biodiesel, the

corrosion behavior of different materials, such as copper, cast iron, leaded bronze, and

aluminum, stainless steel has been investigated by several researchers (Haseeb et al. 2011;

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Geller et al. 2008). Copper was found to be more susceptible to corrosion in biodiesel

compared to aluminum and stainless steel (Fazal et al. 2010). Copper is also reported to act as

a strong catalyst to oxidize biodiesel (Fazal et al. 2013). Sgroi et al. (2005) reported pitting

corrosion on the nozzle of sintered bronze upon biodiesel exposure. These studies suggest

that copper and copper-based alloys are more susceptible to corrosion in biodiesel.

Different fuel properties, including viscosity, density, total acid number, oxidation stability,

and water content, change with biodiesel oxidation and become more chemically aggravated.

Therefore, 100% pure biodiesel does not appear to be a sustainable fuel in automobiles. The

present study aims to investigate the level of instability and corrosiveness of different

biodiesel blends upon exposure to copper. The influence of different additives on the

corrosion of copper will also be examined.

2. Experimental Investigation

The specification of palm biodiesel used is shown in Table 1. The structural formula of the

investigated additives, such as tert-butylamine (TBA) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA),

are presented in Table 2. The experimental investigation was conducted by immersion tests,

followed by the analysis of metal surface and tested fuels. Figure 1 shows the flowchart of

the experimental procedure adopted in the present work. The test coupons of copper, which

are 17.2 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, were made from round copper bars by

machining and grinding. A 2 mm in diameter hole was drilled near the edge of each coupon.

This hole helps to hang the specimen in biodiesel during the immersion test. Haseeb et al.

(2010) also used a similar size of coupon for investigating the corrosion of different metals in

palm biodiesel. First, test coupons were polished with silicon carbide abrasive papers of

grade 400–1200. Then, the polished coupons were dipped into the alcohol for several minutes

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and degreased with acetone. After drying, two duplicate coupons of each metal were

individually immersed into the glass beakers. Each 600 mL beaker was previously filled with

400 mL of different fuels/blends, such as diesel (B0), 20% biodiesel in diesel (B20), 50%

biodiesel in diesel (B50), pure biodiesel (B100), 100 ppm TBA-doped biodiesel (B100/TBA),

and 100 ppm BHA- doped biodiesel (B100/BHA). After immersion test for 600 and 1200 h at

temperatures 25 °C–27 °C, the samples were washed in a stream of water. Before and after

exposing the test coupon into different test fuels, the weights of each coupon were measured

by a weighing scale with four decimal points. Similar experimental procedures were also

followed by Fazal et al. 2013 to investigate the corrosion mechanism of copper in palm

biodiesel. It is worth mentioning that none of these corrosion tests in biodiesel is in

accordance to any particular standard method. For each tested coupon, weight loss was

calculated by subtracting the final weight (after exposure) from its initial weight (before

exposure). Average weight loss was obtained for the two duplicate coupons used, and

corrosion rate was then measured by using Equation 1 (Fazal et al. 2013).

8.76 10 9 w
Corrosion rate  (1)
Dt A

In Equation 1, the corrosion rate is in micrometer per year (μm/y), w is the weight loss (kg),

D is the density (kg/m3), A is the exposed surface area (m2), and t is the exposure time (h).

Changes in surface morphology were characterized by a digital camera and scanning electron

microscopy (SEM). Elemental and compositional analysis of the corrosion products were

examined by using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction pattern

(XRD). The changes in composition, density, and oxidation of the fuels were examined by

gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy analyzer, density meter (DMA35), and Rancimat

method, respectively.

Table 1.

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Table 2.

Figure 1.

3. Results and Discussion

Figure 2 shows the corrosion rate of copper in different fuels/blends in the presence and

absence of additives. Corrosiveness of different biodiesel blends is found in the following

order: B100 > B50 > B20 > B0, thereby suggesting that corrosiveness of biodiesel blends

rises with the increase of biodiesel concentration. Enhanced corrosion rate upon increased

concentration of biodiesel could be attributed to the presence of oxygen and absorbed

moisture (Jakeria et al. 2014). Figure 2 also indicates that corrosiveness of B50 and B100

rises with the increase of metal exposure time. However, B0 and B20 did not show any

significant change in copper corrosion with exposure time.

Figure 2.

Figure 2 uses a t-test for statistical analysis to test a hypothesis about the difference between

the means of the populations from which the two specimens come. In this statistical analysis,

the t-test has been constructed to determine whether the difference between the two means

equals zero versus the alternative hypothesis that the difference does not equal zero. It is

noted that the equal variances have been assumed in this test and therefore t = -0.771 and the

computed P-value is 0.458 which is not less than 0.05. As a result, we cannot reject the null

hypothesis (i.e., there is not a statistically significant difference between the means of the two

specimens at the 95.0% confidence level).

Notably, the corrosion rates of copper in biodiesel fuel are approximately 6.6 and 9.8 µm/y

for 600 h and 1200 h of exposure time, respectively. These results could be compared with

the data from literature where it is reported that the corrosion rate of copper in a 2880 h test is

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9.97 µm/y in palm biodiesel at 25-27°C (Fazal et al, 2010), 60 days (~1,440 h) test is 23.34

µm/y in biodiesel fuel at 43°C (Enzhu et al. 2012), and 1200h test is 16-18 µm/y in palm

biodiesel at 25-27°C (Fazal et al. 2013). The reported corrosion rates vary depending on test

conditions as well as quality of biodiesel. It is worth mentioning that biodiesel is

conventionally purified using water, dry washing or membrane technologies (Atadashi,

2015). Water could eliminate the remaining sodium salts and soaps formation because of

their water solubility (Hayyan et al. 2015). The content of water, salt etc. in biodiesel as well

as molecular components could also vary with the purification process adapted and these

things might cause variation of metal corrosion even in similar test conditions. Although

copper was found to be extremely aggressive in B100, its corrosion rate in B20 and B0 was

similar. Therefore, B20 blend is acceptable for automobile engines. Figure 2 also indicates

that TBA is better than BHA in reducing copper corrosion for long exposure times. Further

study should be conducted to understand the mechanism of corrosion inhibition in the

presence of additives.

Figure 3 shows the appearances of copper surfaces after exposure to diesel, palm biodiesel,

and blends. Upon exposure to copper in biodiesel or its blends, a black corrosion product

layer is found to be formed on the copper; whereas the original color of the coupon in diesel

does not significantly change. Furthermore, the black color appears to be dark for the

coupons that were exposed to high concentrations of biodiesel. Increased concentration of

biodiesel is believed to be an important factor to enhance the corrosion of copper. A dark

corrosion product layer on the copper surface suggests the appearance of more corrosion

products after exposure. By visual inspection, the TBA additive was found to be more

effective in preventing the formation of such black/dark corrosion products. Copper in TBA-

doped biodiesel has a nearly similar appearance to that of diesel exposed coupon, thereby

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suggesting that TBA is effective to protect the copper surface from corrosion. Thus, using

TBA additive has significant importance in reducing corrosion.

Figure 3.

Figure 4 shows the SEM micrographs of different fuel exposed copper surfaces. A few pits

marked by arrows evidently formed on biodiesel exposed metal surfaces due to corrosion

attack or breaking down of oxygenated compounds. Corrosion attack on biodiesel exposed

copper surface is comparatively more than that in additive-doped biodiesel. A few scratches

marked by arrows are evident on the as-received SEM image, but those are not found on

biodiesel exposed metal surfaces. Scratches could disappear because of corrosion in

biodiesel. In the presence of the TBA and BHA additives as shown in Figures 4c and 4d,

respectively, the rough surface is visibly reduced. A close inspection reveals that the pit

density in the presence of TBA is less than that in the presence of BHA.

Figure 4.

The EDS indicates that corrosion products of different fuel exposed copper surfaces contain

mainly C, O, and Cu as shown in Figure 5. The corrosion products of copper in B0 and B100

have slightly different compositions. Concentrations of C and O are comparatively more in

B100 exposed copper than that in B0, which could be attributed to the formation of corrosion

compounds inside the pits, such as oxides and carbonates, due to corrosion attacks in

biodiesel. Similar assumptions were also reported by Haseeb et al (2010). Based on the

results obtained by Fazal et al. (2013), the composition of corrosion products could be

different copper compounds, such as CuCO3 and Cu(OH)2. Given that TBA was added in

B100, the EDS results show an increased concentration of C, thereby possibly suggesting the

formation of a carbonate layer on the copper surface. The formation of carbonate-based layer

on copper in biodiesel could contribute to corrosion rate reduction.

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Figure 5.

Figure 6 shows the XRD spectra of biodiesel/diesel exposed copper surface in the absence

and presence of 100 ppm additives, such as TBA or BHA. Copper in biodiesel evidently

forms Cu(OH)2, Cu2O, and CuCO3, whereas Cu2O is only formed in diesel. Such result is in

good agreement with the results reported by Fazal et al (2013). Reactions 1–5 represent the

possible formation mechanisms of the corrosion compounds. Biodiesel absorbs moisture

from environment. In the presence of oxygen and CO2, metal surface interacts with moisture

and forms different compounds. In the present study, copper upon exposure in biodiesel

forms different corrosion products as shown in reactions (1-4). These corrosion products are

loosely bonded to the metal surface. Subsequent formation and dissolution of these

compounds on copper in biodiesel appear to increase the corrosion rate. Diesel exposed

coupons that form lower concentrations of oxides indicate lower corrosion compared to that

for biodiesel exposed coupons. The related reaction mechanism is shown in reaction 5.

Notably, the formation of nitrogen-based compounds, such as Cu(NO3)2.3H2O, are only

observed when biodiesel is doped with additives. This finding suggests that the nitrogen-

bearing additives, such as TBA and BHA, were absorbed on the metal surface by forming

nitrogen-bearing compounds. Furthermore, Figure 6 indicates that the amount of

oxide/carbonate compounds is highly reduced in TBA-doped biodiesel. High concentrations

of CuCO3 are found to be formed even after BHA addition. This finding suggests that TBA is

a comparatively better additive than BHA in reducing corrosion attacks on the metal surface

while exposed in biodiesel.

Figure 6.

Major corrosion compounds formed in biodiesel:

2Cu + O2 + 2H2O 2Cu(OH)2 (1)

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2Cu + ½ O2 Cu2O (2)

Cu2O + 2CO2 + ½ O2 2CuCO3 (3)

CuO + CO2 CuCO3 (4)

Major corrosion compound formed in diesel:

2Cu + ½ O2 Cu2O (5)

AFM images of biodiesel exposed copper surfaces in the absence and presence of 100 ppm

TBA are shown in Figure 7. Surface roughness is respectively found to be 243.504 nm and

186.935 nm. These results are complementary to the SEM micrographs, which are shown in

Figure 4. The sample examined in the presence of TBA shows less corrosion attack which

results in less surface roughness.

Figure 7.

Figure 8 shows the oxidation stability of biodiesel prior to and after exposure to copper in the

presence or absence of additives. The IP of as-received biodiesel is 1.2 h, and it decreased to

0.72 h while exposed to the copper surface. Naturally, biodiesel has less oxidation stability

(Yaakob et al. 2014). The oxidation stability of biodiesel in the presence of TBA and copper

was decreased to 0.4 h. Owing to the addition of BHA, oxidation stability reached close to

the value of as-received biodiesel, whereas it further decreased for copper exposed TBA-

doped biodiesel. Such result suggests that BHA is better than TBA in increasing oxidation

stability. Moreover, this result is in good agreement with the results obtained from the study

related to the effect of different inhibitors in reducing corrosion of cast iron in biodiesel

(Fazal et al. 2011).

Figure 8.

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Table 3 shows the compositional changes of palm biodiesel before and after copper exposure

for 600 h. Methyl palmitate, oleate, and linoleate are the major components of palm biodiesel,

which were slightly reduced in concentration after exposure to copper for 600 h. A few

components, such as palmitic acid and C16H32O2, were newly produced; meanwhile, some

components, such as methyl myristate, laurate, and 9, 10-epoxyoctadecanoate, were increased

in concentration. Further studies should be conducted to understand the related mechanism of

changing biodiesel composition and their effect on fuel properties.

Table 3.

Figure 9 shows that the as-received biodiesel and diesel have 0.883 and 0.852 g/cm3 density,

respectively. The density of copper exposed blends increases with the increase in biodiesel

concentration. Copper exposed B100 shows nearly similar density to that of as-received

biodiesel and is not excessively changed even after TBA or BHA addition. Although the

metal exposed biodiesel exhibits increased density, these values remain within the range of

0.86 g/cc to 0.9 g/cc given by the EN14214 standard.

Figure 9.

4. Conclusion

The following conclusions are drawn from the present study.

a. Instability of fuel properties and corrosiveness of biodiesel are found to be significant

sustainable issues. Lower percentages of biodiesel blends are more sustainable than

pure or higher percentages of biodiesel.

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b. Corrosiveness of B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel) and diesel appears to be nearly

similar. Therefore, B20 is acceptable for automobile applications. Furthermore, 100%

biodiesel shows higher corrosiveness for copper compared to diesel. Hence, copper is

not recommended to be used in biodiesel.

c. TBA was found to be an effective corrosion inhibitor for copper, whereas BHA

showed better antioxidant properties for biodiesel. Formation of nitrogen-based

compounds on biodiesel exposed copper surface might reduce the corrosion rate.

Further studies should be conducted to understand the related mechanisms.

d. Methyl palmitate, oleate, and linoleate are found to be the major components of palm

biodiesel, and these were slightly reduced in concentration after exposure to copper

for 600 h. Densities of biodiesel and its blends before and after immersion test were

found to be within the limit given by EN 14214. However, the oxidation stability of

palm biodiesel upon exposure to copper was found to be extremely poor and further

decreased with the TBA addition. By contrast, the IP of biodiesel was found to be

increased upon BHA addition and becomes very close to that of as-received biodiesel.

Acknowledgments:

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Institute of

Research Management and Consultancy of University of Malaya (UM) under UMRG

(University of Malaya Research Grant) fund Project Nos. RP013B-13AET and RG137-

12AET.

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Figure Captions:

Figure 1. Flowchart of the experimental procedure adopted in the current work.

Figure 2. Corrosion of copper after exposure to different fuels at room temperature for 600

and 1200 h in the absence and presence of additives.

Figure 3. Photograph of exposed metal surface after exposure to different fuels for 1200 h: a)

Cu in B0, b) Cu in B20, c) Cu in B50, d) Cu in B100, e) Cu in B100/TBA, f) Cu in 100/BHA.

Figure 4. SEM micrographs of copper (2000X magnification) before and after exposure

(1200 h) in palm biodiesel at room temperature.

Figure 5. EDS analysis of copper upon exposure in diesel and biodiesel at room temperature

for 1200 h.

Figure 6. XRD pattern of copper after exposure (1200 h) in diesel and biodiesel at room

temperature.

Figure 7. AFM images of copper surface after exposure in B100 and TBA doped B100.

Figure 8. Oxidation stability of biodiesel in the absence and presence of copper and additives

at room temperature for 600 h.

Figure 9. Change in density of biodiesel and its blends before and after exposure to copper in

the presence and absence of additives at room temperature for 600 and 1200 h.

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Copper coupon preparation Test fuels: B0, B20, B50, B100,

B100/TBA, B100/BHA

Immersion test

SEM GCMS
EDS Metal surface analysis Fuel analysis Density
XRD IP
AF
M Data analysis

Figure 1: Flow chart of the experimental procedure adopted in the current work.
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10

8 600h
Corrosion rate (µm/y) 1200h

0
Bo B20 B50 B100 B100/TBA B100/BHA

Figure 2: Corrosion of copper after exposure to different fuels at room temperature for 600

and 1200 h in the absence and presence of additives.

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Figure 3: Photograph of exposed metal surface after exposure to different fuels for 1200 h: a)

Cu in B0, b) Cu in B20, c) Cu in B50, d) Cu in B100, e) Cu in B100/TBA, f) Cu in 100/BHA.

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Figure

4: SEM
Scratches
microgr Pits

aphs of

copper
a) As-received Cu b) Cu/B100
(2000X

magnifi

cation)
Pits
before Pits

and

after
c) Cu/B100/TBA d) Cu/ B100/BHA
exposur

e (1200 h) in palm biodiesel at room temperature.

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Figure 5: Elemental analysis (EDS) of copper upon exposure in diesel and biodiesel at room

temperature for 1200 h.

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Figure 6: XRD pattern of copper after exposure (1200 h) in diesel and biodiesel at room

temperature.
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Ra = 243.509 nm Ra = 186.935 nm

a) Cu/B100 b) Cu/B100/TBA

Figure 7: AFM images copper surface after exposure in B100 and TBA doped B100.
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1.5

Induction Period (h)

1.2

0.9

0.6

0.3

0
As-received B100/Cu B100/Cu/TBA B100/Cu/BHA
B100

Figure 8: Oxidation stability of biodiesel in the absence and presence (for 600 h) of copper

and additives at room temperature.

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0.88
0.84
0.8
0.76

Limit EN14214
0.72
0.68
0.64
0.6
0.56
0.52
0.48
Density (g/cc)

0.44
0.4
0.36
0.32
0.28
0.24
0.2
0.16
0.12
0.08
0.04
0 AS-
RECEIVED/ B0 B20 B50 B100 TBA BHA
B100
600 h 0.8825 0.8542 0.8613 0.868 0.8844 0.8828 0.8845
1200 h 0.8538 0.861 0.8701 0.8847 0.8849 0.8845

Figure 9: Change in density of biodiesel and its blends prior to and after exposure to copper in

presence and absence of additives at room temperature for 600h and 1200h.
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Table 1. Specification of Palm biodiesel

Parameter Unit EN 14214 Tested

Specification, 2012 value
Density kg/m3 860-900 878
Kinetic Viscosity mm2/s 3.5 – 5.0 4.44
Acid number mg KOH/g max 0.5 0.42
Free glycerin wt% Max 0.02 0.005
Total glycerin wt% Max 0.25 0.087
Ester content wt% Min 96.5 98.9
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Table 2: Structural formula of different additives used in biodiesel

Chemical
Name Structural formula
formula

Inhibitor Tert-butylamine
(TBA) (CH3)3CNH2
Anti-Oxidant

Butylated
Hydroxy Anisole
(BHA) C11H16O2
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Table 3. GCMS analysis of palm biodiesel before and after exposure to copper for 600 h

Chemical name B100 B100/Cu

and formula
Palmitate 36.85 36.71
CH3(CH2)14COOCH3
Palmitoleate 0.36 0.42
CH3(CH2)5CH=CH(CH2)7COOCH3
Methyl Oleate 32.51 32.25
CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOCH3
Methyl Stearate 8.42 8.23
CH3(CH2)16COOCH3
Methyl Linoleate 12.32 9.80
CH3(CH2)4CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)7COOCH3
Methyl Myristate 3.38 3.68
CH3(CH2)12COOCH3
Methyl Laurate 1.19 1.37
CH3(CH2)10COOCH3
Methyl Aracidate 0.95 1.12
CH3(CH2) l8COOCH3
Methyl 9, 10-epoxyoctadecanoate 0.73 1.10
C19H36O3
Palmitic acid 0.13 0.14
C16H32O2
Squalene 1.42 0.99
C30H50
Palmitic acid - 0.23
(C16H32O2)