Perspectives of safflower oil as biodiesel source for South Eastern Europe (comparative study: Safflower, soybean and rapeseed)

Some attributes of oils and the corresponding biodiesels from safflower, soybean and rapeseed have been investigated. The fatty acids profile of safflower analyzed via GC shows a high amount of linoleic acid of 69.65%. This results in better low temperature properties like pour point, cloud point and cold filter plugging point of the FAME. Oxidation stability parameter does not meet the limit imposed by EN14214 European Standard, usually being improved by additives. Based on the global results, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) was identified as a promising species for biodiesel feedstock which can be exploited with success on degraded lands of the world.