Characteristics comparison of Biodiesel-Diesel Blend (B20) Fuel with Alcohol Additives

Abstract

The effect of properties like density, viscosity and flashpoint with alcohol additives in biodiesel blend fuel has been studied. Biodiesel blend fuel (B20) is used for characterization to compare with 5% and 10% of ethanol and methanol. The results indicated that flash point of B20 decrease drastically at 5% alcohols and increases at higher percentages. Increase in flash point as blend concentration increase may be considered better with respect to safety in fuel handling. In case of viscosity and density, cetane number and acid values decrease as the percentage of alcohol increases. Alcohols lower the flash point slightly and reduces the viscosity and density of blend fuel marginally, with this fuel ignition can start at lower temperature and able to burn completely. The combustion rate of fuel is increased due to more oxygen availability in alcohol that results in reducing the levels of pollutants in exhaust gases.