Comparative Study of TiO2 Nanoparticles and Alcoholic Fuel Additives-Biodiesel-Diesel Blend for Combustion, Performance, and Emission Improvements

Abstract

In the current research, the engine performance, combustion, and emission parameters of biodiesel mixture 20% Tamarind oil methyl ester and 80% Diesel (B20) with the inclusion of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in different concentrations (25.50 and 75 ppm) and 10% v/v dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as fuel additive investigated using a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, direct injection (DI), compression ignition (CI) engine. The nano fuel blends were prepared through the ultrasonication process. The ratio of 1:4 TiO2: QPAN80 was produced higher stability and consistency out of five trials. TiO2 were characterized using FESEM, HR-TEM, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and X-Ray diffraction. Fuel properties were determined as per the ASTM standards. Engine tests were carried out to determine the engine performance under varied loads such as 25, 50, 75, and 100% while keeping a uniform speed of 1500 rpm. The maximum reduction in BSFC, CO, HC, and NOx were found to be 17.64%, 9.49%, 7.81%, and 6.53%, and the increased BTE was observed to be 6.13% for B20T50DMC10 compared to B20 blend at full load. Thus, the combined effect of TiO2 and DMC served excellent engine performance, combustion, and emission characteristics in CI engine operation.