BACKGROUND

Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel created from the esterification of fats and fatty acids, continues to gain significant interest as a renewable energy source. The biodiesel market is expected to reach 6,453 million liters in the U.S. by 2020 and 45,291 million liters globally. See GlobalData, Global Biodiesel Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2020, Accessed May 26, 2012 and Fuel Processing Technology 106 (2013) 526-532. Biodiesel is an attractive alternative fuel source worldwide because it operates in conventional engines, does not require special storage, has less odor offensive exhaust, and has a higher flash point, thereby making it a safer energy source than conventional diesel fuel.

Despite these advantages, a major impediment to the wide-spread committed use of biodiesel has been the observed increase in NOxemissions. For example, for 100% biodiesel, NOxemissions can increase by 13% or more. See Ener Conver and Manag, 50, (2009), 14-34. Excessive NOxemission causes smog, ground level ozone, and acid rain. See Journal of Scientific & Industrial Industry Research, Vol. 73, March 2014, 177-180. This is a significant drawback, particularly since governmental agencies continue to impose new legislation on “cleaner air” and mandate higher emission standards for motor vehicles. Thus, a rising concern is that biodiesel may not be able to meet these heightened requirements.

The need therefore remains for biodiesel fuels which do not negatively impact NOxemission, as well as other criteria pollutants such as particulate matter, total hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are biodiesel fuel mixtures comprising at least one biodiesel fuel, a base petroleum diesel fuel, and an additive. The disclosed biodiesel fuel mixtures comprise a cetane number of 45 to 70 and have no negative impact NOxemissions. Indeed, the disclosed mixtures decrease NOxemission by 1 to 7%. See e.g., Table 12. The disclosed mixtures also decrease total particulate matter emissions, CO emissions, and total hydrocarbon emissions. See e.g., Table 12.

Process for manufacturing the disclosed biodiesel fuel mixtures are also provided.

