The effect of pyrogallol antioxidant addition and storage temperature to the change of biodiesel quality during storage period

Biodiesel is an alkyl ester compound of fatty acids prepared from a source of naturally renewable triglycerides and used as diesel engine fuel, commonly made through the process of esterification or transesterification. In its application and storage, biodiesel is potentially damaged by oxidation reaction due to internal factors (high unsaturated fatty acid content) and external factors (air, heat or light) resulting in changes of the characteristics and quality of biodiesel. In order to maintain the characteristics and quality of biodiesel to conform to established standards, it is necessary to add antioxidants that can inhibit oxidation reaction in biodiesel. In this study, pyrogallol antioxidant is added to the biodiesel of palm oil with various concentrations and storage temperatures. The observed biodiesel parameters during the storage period are those that can represent oxidation such as changes in kinematic viscosity, density, acid value, and iodine value. The results showed that the addition of pyogallol antioxidant can inhibit the oxidation reaction in biodiesel. The use of antioxidant with a concentration of 0.1% at storage temperatures of 30°C and 60°C is known to retain the characteristics and quality of biodiesel during storage from damage caused by oxidation reaction.