Biodiesel: Current trends and properties

Abstract

Biodiesel, an alternative to petroleum-derived diesel fuel, is defined as the mono-alkyl esters of vegetable oils and animal fats. Several current issues affecting biodiesel that are briefly discussed include the role of new feedstocks in meeting increased demand for biodiesel and circumventing the food versus fuel issue, biodiesel production, as well as fuel properties and their improvement. © 2010 GovernmentEmployee: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research.