Physical and Chemical Properties of a Mixture Fuel between Palm Sap (Arenga pinnata Merr) Bioethanol and Premium Fuel

Abstract

Along with the development of motor vehicle industry technology at this time, the fuel demand is also increasing while the supply is running low. Thus, alternative fuels are needed to meet these energy needs. This study aims to explain the physical and chemical characteristics of a fuel mixture (MF) between palm sap bioethanol with premium fuel. The results showed that the higher the bioethanol concentration of the palm sap, the higher the MF's viscosity, but the lower the heat of the fuel. This decrease is caused by differences in the heating value of the two fuels. The MF's high heat burn value is blue, while the low heat value of the flame is reddish yellow. The results of this study are very important as a basis for the development of bioethanol from palm sap as an environmentally friendly vehicle-fuel substitute material.