Experimental investigation on thermal stability of Pongamia Biodiesel by thermogravimetric analysis

Pongamia biodiesel is the most promising alternative source of energy in India. But the poor oxidation and thermal stability problem associated with it leads to deterioration in its quality and it cannot be stored for a longer period of time. The high temperature engine operation is also affected due to poor thermal stability of the biodiesel. This paper investigates the thermal and oxidation stability of Pongamia biodiesel and effect of metal contaminants on its stability. The thermodynamic parameter of kinetic energy of the samples was evaluated by direct Arrhenius plot. Results show that Pyrogallol improves the oxidation and thermal stability of Pongamia biodiesel with an increase in induction period from 1.83 to 12.11 h and in activation energy from 45.66 to 70.23 kJ/mol while the addition of iron metal contaminants decrease the induction period to 0.77 h and activation energy to 24.55 kJ/mol.