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Abstract The corrosive character of Moringa oleifera Lam biodiesel was evaluated through static immersion tests with different carbon steels (CS1015 and CS4140) in absence and presence of the antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), at room temperature in the absence of light for 84 days. Biodiesel parameters, including oxidation stability (induction period, IP), total acid number (TAN) and iron concentration released from carbon steel, were monitored. The produced biodiesel presented an IP value of 4.9 h, which was increased to 6.2 h after the addition of 500 mg kg−1 TBHQ. After 84 days of immersion, IP values decreased in the first 21 days due to the contact with the metallic coupon, while TBHQ retarded this process. TAN value increased in 20% but the values were below the recommended limits (<0.5 mg g−1 KOH according to EN14214). Iron was detected in the biodiesels exposed to CS1015 (8 μg g−1), while in the presence of TBHQ this value decreased to 5 μg g−1, indicating corrosion inhibition by TBHQ. Iron was not detected in the biodiesels exposed to CS4140, which indicated that this material was more compatible with biodiesel. Notably, the oxidation stability of Moringa biodiesel was not affected (IP > 3 h) by the high Fe content. Highlights • Static immersion corrosion test to simulate storage conditions of Moringa biodiesel. • Carbon steels of varied composition were evaluated and metal release measured. • Oxidation stability of biodiesel decreased as corrosion started. • The antioxidant TBHQ retarded the corrosion as iron release decreased. • Addition of TBHQ is required to extend storage stability of Moringa biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the oxidative stability and corrosivity of residual cooking oil (RCO) methyl biodiesel exposed to metallic coupons (copper and carbon steel) under simulated storage conditions (static immersion for 90 days within closed vessels) and the effect of antioxidants (tert-butylhydroquinone, curcumin, propylgallate, and butyl-hydroxyanisole) on biodiesel and metallic surfaces. The induction period measured during the experiment showed that all antioxidants retarded biodiesel degradation due to their antioxidant properties. Scanning-electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction of the metallic surfaces revealed the presence of oxides due to the corrosion by biodiesel in absence of antioxidants. Nevertheless, the presence of carbonaceous solids over the metallic surfaces was found which evidences the anticorrosive properties of the antioxidants, confirmed by X-Ray spectroscopy that showed increase in the content of carbon and oxygen on the surfaces. Measurements of corrosion rate also confirmed the anticorrosive action of all antioxidants. Hence, this work shows the dual properties of antioxidants acting as free radical scavengers in the RCO biodiesel as well as corrosive inhibitors, with a special performance of propylgallate, probably due to the presence of more hydroxyl groups in its structure that also may facilitate its interaction with the metallic surface. • Free radical scavenging and corrosion inhibition by antioxidants in biodiesel from residual oil. • Immersion tests using copper and carbon steel coupons prove this dual effect of antioxidants. • Higher induction period values by propyl gallate (PG) in biodiesel exposed to both metals. • PG also showed higher anti-corrosive properties in this biodiesel under simulated storage. • Protective layers of carbonaceous solids over metals were formed in biodiesel with antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]