ABSTRACT
The energy crisis in the mid-1970s coupled with the fast diminishing energy reserves, greater environmental awareness, and increasing energy consumption have led to an intensified global search for viable alternative sources of energy. This chapter deals with alkyl esters derived from vegetable oils. "Biofuel" is the term usually used to describe biodiesel. According to T. B. Reed, the term "biodiesel" refers to methyl or ethyl esters derived from vegetable oils. Various technologies have been developed for the production of alkyl esters from vegetable oils containing varying amounts of free fatty acids. The use of vegetable oils in the form of esters as diesel substitute has been quite extensively reviewed. The fuel properties of vegetable oil esters clearly show that they can be attractive as diesel substitutes. Engine testing of alternative fuels usually comprises two phases: bench endurance tests and vehicle field tests.
