Influence of Graphene Nano Particles and Antioxidants with Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel and Diesel Blends on Engine Performance and Emissions

Abstract

The main reason for the limited usage of biodiesel is it tends to oxidize when exposed to air. It is anticipated that the addition of an antioxidant along with graphene nano particle improves combustion of diesel-biodiesel blend. In the present research biodiesel made from the transesterification of waste cooking oil is used. Three synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), 2(3)-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) and tert butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) along with 30 ppm of graphene nano particle were added at a volume fraction of 1000 ppm to diesel–biodiesel blends (B20). The performance and emission tests were performed at constant engine speed of 1500 rpm. Because of the inclusion of graphene nano particles, surface area to the volume ratio of the fuel is augmented enhancing the mixing ability and chemical responsiveness of the fuel during burning causing superior performance, combustion and emission aspects of compression ignition engine. The results revealed that there was a slight increase in brake power and brake thermal efficiency of about 0.29%, 0.585%, 0.58% and 6.22%, 3.11%, 3.31% for B20GrBHT1000, B20GrBHA1000 and B20GrTBHQ1000, respectively, compared to B20. Additionally, BSFC, HC and NOx emissions were reduced to considerable levels for the reformed fuel.