ISTC’s studies have mainly focused on biodiesel production as a way to either reduce waste or mitigate food/fuel crop competition.
About Biofuels & Biodiesel
Biofuels are fuels made from plant matter. Types of biofuels include bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas. In the U.S., most gasoline is currently sold with 10% bioethanol under the Renewable Fuel Standard, as well as E85, which is 85% bioethanol and 15% gasoline.
Benefits of Biodiesel
Biodiesel is used in diesel engines and produces fewer emissions than traditional petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel is biodegradable, making it a strong alternative fuel option for both environmental protection and U.S. energy independence.
How is Biodiesel Made?
Biodiesel is made from renewable organic resources, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or algal oils, all of which are domestically available. Biodiesel is made by the transesterification process — a chemical separation of glycerin from fatty acids, which then bind to alcohol molecules.
Biodiesel vs. Biodiesel Blends
What is commonly referred to or sold as “biodiesel” is often a blend of pure biodiesel and petroleum diesel (for example, B20 is 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel). However, an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard does exist for biodiesel (ASTM D6751) and, based upon that standard, only pure (100%) biodiesel should be referred to as such. Any blend of biodiesel and petroleum diesel is properly referred to as “biodiesel blend.” For more information on the technical definition of biodiesel and the specification for pure biodiesel, see the National Biodiesel Board web site.