Fuel Analysis of Jatropha Methyl Ester and n-Tridecane as an Alternative Fuel for the Future

Abstract

The authors proposed for new fuel between blending of jatropha methyl ester and n-tridecane. Biodiesel has an advantage in reducing emissions. Nevertheless, it has high viscosity and density and has poor spray characteristics compared to diesel fuel. The blending between n-tridecane would overcome the unwanted fuel properties. The n-tridecane and jatropha methyl ester were blended under three condition; JME25% (Jatropha Methyl Ester 25% and n-tridecane 75%), JME50% (Jatropha Methyl Ester 50% and n-tridecane 50%), and JME75% (Jatropha Methyl Ester 75% and n-tridecane 25%). The fuel properties were analyzed under biodiesel standardization from JIS K and ASTM D. FTIR analyzed also showed the characteristics of carbonyl peak that indicates as methyl ester. In the results, JME50% had met the requirements for fuel properties from biodiesel standardization.