Study on the stability of the blends of biodiesel and diesel treated with antioxidant tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ)

Diesel engines are essential for agriculture, industry, and transportation; however, their dependence on fossil fuels presents significant challenges. This reliance not only accelerates climate change but also causes environmental degradation. In response, biofuels, particularly biodiesel, have emerged as feasible and ecologically sound alternatives. This study investigates the procedure of producing and enhancing biodiesel by using equal quantities of WCO and WPO. TBHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone), a synthetic antioxidant, is added to the biodiesel to enhance its oxidation resistance. The fuel properties of the biodiesel blends, when combined with regular diesel at volume ratios of $20 \%$ and $40 \%$, were evaluated during a 10 -week period. The factors examined comprised acid value, density, and kinematic viscosity. The findings revealed that TBHQ substantially improved the oxidative stability of pure biodiesel. However, its effectiveness diminished as the biodiesel content in the blend increased. Both storage duration and conditions had a significant impact on oxidative stability, with the induction period falling below the 20 -hour mark after 4 to 6 weeks. While antioxidants notably influenced the acid value, their effect on kinematic viscosity was minimal. This research highlights TBHQ's potential for maintaining biodiesel quality under oxidative stress, offering valuable insights for improving the stability of biodiesel blends during long-term storage and ensuring compliance with strict environmental standards.