Thermal degradation behavior of thin films of fatty acid methyl ester

Thermal degradation of FAME was performed on the low carbon steel coupon by a thin film method. Impact of the film thickness on FAME physical and chemical properties was evaluated. It showed that FAME film degradation ratio depends on its thickness and the thermal treatment duration. It was determined that the 200 µm film degraded faster than the 500 µm film. The soaking test, which performed using three solvents (xylene, heptane, fresh FAME) showed that better solubility of degraded FAME was achieved in xylene, followed by fresh FAME and then heptane. The swelling effect was observed than soaking test of FAME films were performed in fresh FAME. The acid values into the degraded FAME films were achieved and lower values were obtained in the 500 µm than in 200 µm films, respectively. The iron content into 200 µm film was 3 times higher, compared with 500 µm film thickness.