To aid the improvement of fuel properties of oils, basic physical and combustion-related properties of low molecular weight triglycerides are described. These properties include density viscosity, hear capacity surface tension and vapor pressure. Fuel injection atomization factors were determined for these triglycerides. Properties of tributyrin (C4:0), tricaproin (C6:0), tricaprylin (C8:0) and tricaprin (C10:0) indicate that these triglycerides are potential components in future diesel fuels derived from plant oils. (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.