Nanostructure and oxidation properties investigation of engine using Jatropha biodiesel as engine fuel

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the soot nanostructure characteristic and soot oxidation behaviour that is emitted from a single cylinder diesel engine by using two different engine fuels that is Jatropha Biodiesel (JBD) with the presence of 3% of methanol as additive and Diesel fuel. In order to obtain the result for soot characteristic, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used, while Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) is used to analyze the oxidation of the soot itself. The parameter for the engine testing has been fixed by applying different loads of 25% and 50% load with constant speed of 2500 rpm. The result has been compared for each fuel in terms of their structure and oxidation behaviour. The soot was collected on a filter paper and the SEM grid from the exhaust stream within the time period set. The soot is then observed by using SEM and the result shows that diesel soot particulate matter is smaller with average size of 95 nm for 25% load and 63.5 nm for 50% load than those of B20, which has the average size of 122 nm for 25% load and 105 nm for 50%. It complies with the evidence that stated 11% of the oxygen content helps in lowering particulate emission by improving the combustion. The result also shows that the oxidation behaviour of B20 occurs faster than diesel either at 25% load or 50% load.