Fuel properties of oil from genetically altered Cuphea viscosissima

A genetically altered plant strain (Cuphea viscosissima VS-320) was identif ied which produces an oil with elevated levels of medium- and short-chain t riglycerides. Previous studies have suggested that such an oil may be appro priate for use as a substitute for diesel fuel without chemical conversion of component triglycerides to methyl esters. This oil is also of interest f or other industrial applications. This paper discusses the oil composition of C. viscosissima VS-320 and presents the analysis of several important al ternative fuel screening properties of this oil: dynamic viscosity for shea r rates of 1.617-64.69 s(-1) at temperatures of 25-80 degrees C, boiling po int at atmospheric pressure, temperature dependence of vapor pressure (from 40 to 760 mmHg for the 300-400 degrees C temperature range), and heat of v aporization (Delta H-v). These properties have been established as indicato rs of fuel performance and can be used for initial screening of possible di esel fuel substitutes. These properties are compared to those of diesel, bi odiesel, and vegetable oils. Analysis of these properties suggests that fur ther genetic development of this plant as a source of diesel fuel is warran ted. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.