Page 135 - Biofuels Refining and Performance

118 Chapter Four

Figure 4.8 Linum usitatissimum.

acid (4.5%), stearic acid (4.4%), oleic acid (17.0%), linoleic acid (15.5%),
and linolenic acid (58.6%).

Main uses. Medicinal properties of the seeds have been known since
ancient Greece. It is used in pharmacology (antitussive, gentle bulk lax-
ative, relaxing expectorant, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, etc.) [97]. As
the source of linen fiber, it was used by the Egyptians to make cloth in
which to wrap their mummies. However, today it is mainly grown for
its oil [98, 99], which is used in the manufacture of paints, varnishes,
and linoleum. Linseed oil is used as a purgative for sheep and horses.
It is also used in cooking. There is a market for flaxseed meal as both
animal feeding and human nutrition [96].
Lang et al. transesterified linseed oil by using different alcohols
(methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and butanol) and catalysts (KOH and
sodium alkoxides). Butyl esters showed reduced cloud points and pour
points [100]. Some authors have found that biodiesel from linseed oil
presents a lower cold filter plugging point (CFPP) than biodiesel from
rapeseed oil, due to large amounts of linolenic acid methyl ester and their
iodine value [101]. Long-term endurance tests have been carried out with
methyl esters of linseed oil, showing low emission characteristics. Wear
assessment has shown lower wear for a biodiesel-operated engine [102].
Experimental investigations on the effect of 20% biodiesel blended with
diesel fuel on lubricating oil have shown a lubricating oil life longer
while operating the engine on biodiesel [103]. Oxidation stability have
shown better results compared with methyl esters of animal origin [104].
Lebedevas et al. have suggested the use of three-component mixtures