Fuel composition comprising a renewable base and an aromatic amine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel composition comprising at least 50% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition, of one or more paraffinic hydrocarbon cuts consisting of fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters (HEFAs) and at least 0.05% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition, of one or more compounds selected from aromatic amines corresponding to formula (I): This composition is useful for powering any internal combustion engine of a land, sea, air or space vehicle and in particular an aircraft or rocket engine.

Description

Title of the invention: Fuel composition comprising a renewable base and an aromatic amine

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel composition which can be used, inter alia, in air transport, and which comprises one or more cuts consisting of fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters in association with at least one aromatic amine of particular formula.

[0002] The present invention also relates to the use of such a composition for powering a heat engine, such as in particular but not limited to an aircraft or rocket engine. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] Fuels used in aeronautics and space propulsion are subject to very strict regulations which aim to guarantee a high level of safety during their use.

[0004] Thus, turbine engines (turbojets and turboprops) which equip the majority of aircraft and helicopters (civil or military) use specific fuels called jet fuels, which are traditionally formulated from hydrocarbon cuts called kerosene cuts resulting from the distillation of crude oils.

[0005] The reference jet fuel for civil aviation and the most widespread is Jet Al. Its properties are defined in the international standard ASTM DI655. The physical characteristics of this fuel meet the efficiency and safety criteria required in the field of air transport, whether for ground operations or for flight phases. The main properties are:

[0006] - A high calorific value, of at least 42.8 MJ / kg. It represents the quantity energy released per unit mass of fuel during its combustion. This quantity is very important because it gives the aircraft greater autonomy for a constant on-board mass.

[0007] - A very low freezing point, which must be below -47°C, which allows keep the fuel in a liquid state when the aircraft is in cruise flight, in a very low temperature environment.

[0008] - A flash point (or temperature above which fuel vapors can ignite in the presence of a flame), which must be above 38°C, in order to ensure safe handling of fuel on the ground.

[0009] Other properties such as sulfur content, acidity or density of the fuel are also defined in ASTM DI655.

[0010] The fight against global warming now requires air transport to reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide of fossil origin by adopting fuels with low environmental impact, also called sustainable aviation fuels or SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels in English). A promising solution consists of replacing kerosene bases of fossil origin with bases of biological origin such as bases derived from the hydrogenation processes of natural esters and fatty acids called Hydrogenated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) for hydrogenated esters and fatty acids. Indeed, the fuels formulated from these bases have characteristics relatively close to Jet Al jet fuel, which makes HEFA bases excellent candidates for the aeronautics industry.

[0011] However, these HEFA bases are essentially made up of linear and branched paraffins (alkanes). Their chemical composition, free of aromatic and naphthenic hydrocarbons, gives them a significantly lower auto-ignition temperature than traditional jet fuels based on fossil kerosenes, which gives rise to significant safety problems, in particular fire risks when using the fuel in the hot parts of aircraft and rocket engines.

[0012] It is thus desirable to increase the auto-ignition temperature of this type of biofuel, in particular to allow their use in the aeronautical and aerospace industries.

[0013] One solution to this problem is to add one or more fuel bases rich in aromatic and / or naphthenic hydrocarbons to the HEFA bases. However, the available aromatic and / or naphthenic fuel bases most often come from fossil sources, which are not renewable. In addition, these bases are available in small quantities, expensive and require high incorporation rates to have a significant effect on the auto-ignition temperature.

[0014] The present invention aims to remedy the problems described above.

[0015] The present invention aims in particular to propose a fuel composition with based on fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters (HEFA), which has an increased auto-ignition temperature without resorting to bases rich in aromatic and / or naphthenic hydrocarbons in significant quantities.

[0016] The Applicant has now discovered that the addition, to a fuel base consisting of fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters, of one or more compounds chosen from aromatic amines as defined below, in a minimum content of 0.05% by mass, makes it possible to significantly increase the auto-ignition temperature of the mixture and thus to formulate a sustainable fuel suitable for use in the aeronautical and aerospace industries.

[0017] The present invention thus relates to a fuel composition comprising: a) at least 50% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition, of one or more paraffinic hydrocarbon fractions consisting of fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters (HEFA); and b) at least 0.05% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition, of one or more compounds chosen from aromatic amines corresponding to formula (I) below: (I)

[0018]

[0019] in which - Ri denotes a hydrogen atom; a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; or a phenyl group substituted or unsubstituted by one or more linear or branched alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; - the groups R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, identical or different, independently represent a hydrogen atom; a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; or an amino group of formula -NRaRb with Ra and Rb, identical or different, independently representing a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms. The composition according to the invention has an auto-ignition temperature, measured in accordance with ASTM E659, significantly higher than a composition comprising the same bases with the exception of the compound(s) of formula (I). This increase in the auto-ignition temperature results in a reduction in the risk of fire when using the composition as fuel, including at high temperatures as is the case in aircraft and rocket engines. While the auto-ignition temperature measured in accordance with ASTM E659 of a fuel composition consisting solely of fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters (HEFA) is approximately 200°C, the auto-ignition temperature (measured according to the same standard) of the composition according to the invention is at least 210°C. Preferably, the auto-ignition temperature of the composition according to the invention is greater than or equal to 220°C and more preferably tially greater than or equal to 225°C.

[0020] This temperature is reached without having to add significant quantities of fuel bases rich in aromatic and / or naphthenic hydrocarbons.

[0021] Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, the aromatic hydrocarbon content of the composition according to the invention is less than 5% by mass, preferably less than 2% by mass, more preferably less than 1% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

[0022] By aromatic hydrocarbons is meant here aromatic compounds formed solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, and devoid of heteroatoms. In particular, the compounds of formula (I) defined above do not constitute aromatic hydrocarbons within the meaning of the present invention.

[0023] According to an equally preferred embodiment, the naphthenic hydrocarbon content of the composition according to the invention is less than 5% by mass, preferably less than 4% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the total content of naphthenic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons in the composition according to the invention is less than 5% by mass, preferably less than 4% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

[0025] The composition according to the invention also has good properties in terms of calorific value, freezing point and flash point.

[0026] It is perfectly suitable for use as fuel to power aircraft and rocket engines, but also and more generally to power any internal combustion engine used in propulsion, whether land, sea, air or space.

[0027] Thus, the present invention also relates to the use of the composition according to the invention for powering an internal combustion engine of a land, sea, air or space propulsion vehicle, and preferably an aircraft or rocket engine.

[0028] Other objects, characteristics, aspects and advantages of the invention will appear even more clearly on reading the description and the examples which follow.

[0029] In what follows, and unless otherwise indicated, the limits of a domain of values ​​are included in this domain, in particular in the expressions “between” and “ranging from ... to ...”. Furthermore, the expressions “at least one” and “at least” used in this description are respectively equivalent to the expressions “one or more” and “greater than or equal”. Finally, in a manner known per se, the term CN compound or group refers to a compound or group containing N carbon atoms in its chemical structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction (a) The composition according to the invention contains at least one paraffinic hydrocarbon cut consisting of fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters (HEFA).

[0031] By fatty acid is meant a carboxylic acid comprising a hydrocarbon chain having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 7 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 8 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0032] By fatty acid ester is meant both monoesters and polyesters (in particular di- and triesters) of the above fatty acids with an alcohol which may be a monoalcohol or a polyol.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) consist of hydrotreated vegetable oils, also known as HVO (from the English “hydrotreated vegetable oils”). These are oils of vegetable origin which have undergone successive treatments including hydrotreatment and possible isomerization. The processes for preparing such hydrotreated vegetable oils are known per se.

[0034] Examples of suitable vegetable raw materials include rapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, hemp oil, olive oil, linseed oil, mustard oil, palm oil, castor oil, coconut oil.

[0035] Patent applications WO2016 / 185046 and WO2016 / 185047 describe non-limiting examples of methods for obtaining hydrotreated vegetable oil cuts that can be used as fuel bases.

[0036] The paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) have a distillation range advantageously within the range from 60 to 350°C, preferably from 100 to 300°C, more preferably from 120 to 290°C and better still from 140 to 280°C.

[0037] The distillation range of said paraffinic hydrocarbon cut is determined in accordance with standard NF EN ISO 3405.

[0038] The paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) advantageously have a paraffin content greater than or equal to 90% by mass, preferably greater than or equal to 95% by mass, and better still greater than or equal to 96% by mass, relative to the total mass of the fraction(s) (a).

[0039] By "paraffins" is meant, in a manner known per se, branched alkanes (also called iso-paraffins or iso-alkanes) and unbranched alkanes (also called n-paraffins or n-alkanes).

[0040] The paraffins present in the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) according to the invention advantageously comprise from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 17 carbon atoms. Preferably, the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) consist of at least 80% by mass, more preferably at least 90% by mass and better still at least 95% by mass of paraffins comprising from 8 to 17 carbon atoms.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) used in the composition according to the invention contain at least 60% by mass, preferably at least 70% by mass of isoparaffins, relative to the total mass of the fraction(s) (a). According to a particularly preferred embodiment, they contain at least 80% by mass of isoparaffins.

[0042] The paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) have an aromatic compound content preferably less than or equal to 10,000 ppm by mass, more preferably less than or equal to 1,500 ppm by mass, even more preferably less than or equal to 1,000 ppm by mass.

[0043] Their content of naphthenic compounds is preferably less than or equal to 40,000 ppm by mass, more preferably less than or equal to 30,000 ppm by mass.

[0044] Their sulfur content is advantageously less than or equal to 10 ppm by mass, preferably less than or equal to 5 ppm by mass. In a particularly preferred manner, the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) are completely free of sulfur.

[0045] The composition according to the invention preferably comprises at least 75% by mass of one or more paraffinic hydrocarbon cuts (a) as described above. Preferably, it contains at least 85% by mass of one or more paraffinic hydrocarbon cuts (a), more preferably at least 90% by mass and better still at least 95% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention contains at least 95% by mass, preferably at least 98% by mass, and better still at least 99% by mass of one or more paraffinic hydrocarbon fractions (a) as described above.

[0047] Aromatic amines (b) The composition comprises one or more compounds chosen from aromatic amines corresponding to formula (I) below: H ® ■ 'W' 3¾ Rs"' x'y"' xRg R» in which - Ri denotes a hydrogen atom; an alkyl group, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; or a phenyl group substituted or unsubstituted by one or more alkyl groups, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; - the groups R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, identical or different, independently represent a hydrogen atom; a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; or an amino group of formula -NRaRb with Ra and Rb, identical or different, independently representing a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0048] Preferably, in formula (I) the group Ri denotes: - a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still an alkyl group chosen from the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups; and preferably a methyl group or a 1-methylpropyl group; or - a phenyl group substituted or unsubstituted by one or more alkyl groups, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and preferably an unsubstituted phenyl group, that is to say of formula -C6H5.

[0049] Preferably, in formula (I) the groups R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, identical or different, represent independently of each other: - a hydrogen atom; or - a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still an alkyl group chosen from the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups; or - an amino group of formula -NRaRb with Ra and Rb, identical or different, representing independently of one another a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still an alkyl group chosen from the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups.

[0050] According to a first preferred embodiment, the groups R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are identical and represent a hydrogen atom.

[0051] According to a second preferred embodiment, at least one of the groups R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 denotes an amino group of formula -NHRa with Radenoting a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably chosen from the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups.

[0052] In this second embodiment, preferably one of the groups R3, R4, and R5 denotes an amino group of formula -NHRa with Radenoting a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably chosen from the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups. Better still, the group R4 denotes an amino group of formula -NHRawith Ratel as defined above. The other four groups, different from the amino group, are preferably identical and represent a hydrogen atom.

[0053] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the compound(s) (b) of formula (I) are chosen from: - diphenylamine (CAS No 122-39-4): - N-methylaniline (CAS No. 100-61-8): - N,N'-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine (CAS No. 101-96-2): - and mixtures of these compounds.

[0054] The composition according to the invention advantageously comprises the compound(s) of formula (I) in a total content ranging from 0.05 to 10% by mass, preferably from 0.1 to 5% by mass, more preferably from 0.2 to 2% by mass, better still from 0.3 to 1% by mass and better still from 0.4 to 0.8% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

[0055] Possible additives The composition according to the invention may further comprise one or more additives, different from the compounds of formula (I) described above.

[0056] This or these additives may be chosen, for example, in a non-limiting manner, from antioxidant, antifreeze, antistatic additives, corrosion inhibitors, lubrication additives, cold resistance additives, detergent additives, tracer additives. Antioxidant additives are particularly preferred.

[0057] These additives can be incorporated at levels, for each, ranging from a few ppm to 1000 ppm by mass.

[0058] The use The composition according to the invention is useful as fuel for powering any internal combustion engine of a propulsion machine, in particular land, sea, air or space propulsion.

[0059] The composition according to the invention can be used in particular to power any internal combustion engine in one of the following vehicles: road vehicles including light vehicles (in particular automobiles) and heavy goods vehicles (trucks of various loads known as "medium duty" and "heavy duty", household waste collection trucks, buses, coaches, etc.) and non-road vehicles (construction or public works machinery, tractors, trains, boats).

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention is used to power an aircraft or rocket engine.

[0061] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention is used to power a turbojet or a turboprop in an aircraft, preferably chosen from an airplane and a helicopter (civil or military), and more preferably an airplane.

[0062] The method The present invention also relates to a method of propelling a machine land, sea, air or space travel equipped with at least one internal combustion engine, consisting of powering said engine using a fuel composition as described above.

[0063] Preferably, said engine is an aircraft or rocket engine, more preferably a turbojet or turboprop engine equipping an airplane or a helicopter and more preferably an airplane.

[0064] The following examples are given by way of illustration of the invention, and should not be interpreted in such a way as to limit its scope. EXAMPLES

[0065] The following examples were produced using a paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction called fraction A, consisting of esters and hydrogenated fatty acids (HEFA). More specifically, fraction A consists of a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) whose characteristics are detailed in Table I below:

[0066] Compounds Mass concentration (%) N-paraffins C8 to C16 16.20 Iso-paraffins C8 to C17 80.92 Naphthenes 2.86 Aromatics 0.02

[0067]

[0068] 1. Comparative examples Fuel compositions were prepared by adding an aromatic compound (mesitylene) or a naphthenic compound (methylcyclohexane) to the A cut, in the contents detailed in Table II below. The auto-ignition temperature of each of these compositions was measured in accordance with the method defined in ASTM E659. The results obtained are also detailed in Table II

[0069] Compositions ECO EC1 EC2 EC3 HEFA content (Cut A) (% by mass) 100 89 90 99.5 Mesitylene content (% by mass) - 11 - - Methylcyclohexane content (% by mass) - - 10 0.5 Auto-ignition temperature (°C) 203 221 224 205

[0070] These results show that to significantly increase the auto-ignition temperature of cut A, the aromatic compound and the naphthenic compound must be added in significant quantities as is the case in comparative compositions EC1 and EC2. On the other hand, the addition of a low content of naphthenic compound (composition EC3) does not make it possible to obtain a significant increase in the auto-ignition temperature.

[0071] 2. Examples according to the invention Fuel compositions were prepared by adding to cut A one of the following compounds: - diphenylamine, in the contents detailed in Table III below; - N-methylaniline, in the contents detailed in Table IV below; - - N,N'-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, in the content detailed in Table V below.

[0072] The auto-ignition temperature of each of these compositions was measured, in accordance with the method defined in the ASTM E659 standard. The results obtained

[0073] are detailed in each of tables III, IV and V. Compositions ECO Cl C2 HEFA content (Cut A) (% by mass) 100 99.75 99.5 Diphenylamine content (% by mass) - 0.25 0.5 Auto-ignition temperature (°C) 203 215 216

[0074] Compositions ECO C3 C4 HEFA content (Cut A) (% by mass) 100 99.75 99.5 N-methylaniline content (% by mass) - 0.25 0.5 Auto-ignition temperature (°C) 203 210 217

[0075] ECO C5 Compositions HEFA content (Cut A) (% by mass) 100 99.75 Content - 0.25 N,N'-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine (% by mass) Autoignition temperature (°C) 203 225

[0076] In the tables above, the ECO composition is comparative (consisting entirely of cut A), while compositions C1 to C5 are in accordance with the invention.

[0077] These results show that the addition to cut A of an aromatic amine of formula (I) in very small quantities makes it possible to significantly increase the auto-ignition temperature.

[0078] In comparison with the addition of the aromatic and naphthenic compounds according to comparative examples EC1 and EC2, the addition of an aromatic amine of formula (I) makes it possible to obtain sometimes equivalent results but at much lower contents.

[0079] In comparison with the addition of the naphthenic compound according to comparative example EC3, the addition of an aromatic amine of formula (I) in a concentration reduced by half (0.25% versus 0.5%), makes it possible to obtain a very significantly higher increase in the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel composition.

Claims

Claims ^Claim 1] Fuel composition comprising: (a) at least 50% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition, of one or more paraffinic hydrocarbon fractions consisting of fatty acids and / or hydrogenated fatty acid esters (HEFA); and (b) at least 0.05% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition, of one or more compounds chosen from aromatic amines corresponding to formula (I) below: H (D 'N'" "y'' : ^4 in which: - Ri denotes a hydrogen atom; an alkyl group, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; or a phenyl group substituted or unsubstituted by one or more alkyl groups, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; - the groups R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, identical or different, represent independently of each other a hydrogen atom;a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms; or an amino group of formula -NRaRb with Ra and Rb, identical or different, independently representing a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms. ^Claim 2] Composition according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) consist of hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO). ^Claim 3] Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) have a paraffin content greater than or equal to 90% by mass, preferably greater than or equal to 95% by mass, and better still greater than or equal to 96% by mass, relative to the total mass of the fraction(s) (a). ^Claim 4] Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, ca-; characterized in that the paraffins present in the paraffinic hydrocarbon fraction(s) (a) comprise from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 17 carbon atoms.

5. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least 75% by mass of one or more paraffinic hydrocarbon cuts (a), preferably at least 85% by mass, more preferably at least 90% by mass and better still at least 95% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

6. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in formula (I), the group Ri denotes: - a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still an alkyl group chosen from the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups; and more preferably still a methyl group or a 1-methylpropyl group; or - a phenyl group substituted or unsubstituted by one or more alkyl groups, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and more preferably still an unsubstituted phenyl group.

7. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in formula (I), the groups R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, identical or different, represent independently of each other: - a hydrogen atom; or - a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still an alkyl group chosen from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups; or - an amino group of formula -NRaRb with Ra and Rb, identical or different, representing independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and better still an alkyl group chosen from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1-methylpropyl (sec-butyl) and 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert-butyl) groups.

8. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compound(s) (b) of formula (I) are chosen from diphenylamine, N-methylaniline, N,N'-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, and mixtures of these compounds.

9. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the compound(s) of formula (I) at a total content ranging from 0.05 to 10% by mass, preferably from 0.1 to 5% by mass, more preferably from 0.2 to 2% by mass, better still from 0.3 to 1% by mass and better still from 0.4 to 0.8% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

10. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its aromatic hydrocarbon content is less than 5% by mass, preferably less than 2% by mass, more preferably less than 1% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composition.

11. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises one or more additives, different from the compounds of formula (I), chosen from antioxidant, anti-freeze, antistatic additives, corrosion inhibitors, lubrication additives, cold resistance additives, detergent additives, tracer additives.

12. Use of the composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims for powering an internal combustion engine of a land, sea, air or space propulsion vehicle.

13. Use according to the preceding claim, for powering an aircraft or rocket engine, preferably a turbojet or a turboprop in an aircraft chosen from an airplane and a helicopter and more preferably an airplane.

14. Method of propelling a land, sea, air or space vehicle equipped with at least one internal combustion engine, consisting of powering said engine using a fuel composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said engine is an aircraft or rocket engine, more preferably a turbojet or a turboprop engine equipping an airplane or a helicopter and more preferably an airplane.