Abstract
ABSTRACT Ignition delay is commonly used to evaluate biodiesel ignition quality and it is positively correlated to the activation energy of biodiesel. This study compared the effect of microemulsification and biodiesel/diesel blending on activation energies using thermogravimetric analysis. Water-in-biodiesel microemulsion was formed by the assistant of surfactant rhamnolipid (RL), with activation energies of water-in-biodiesel microemulsion and biodiesel/diesel blends being calculated for assessing thermal oxidation and ignition properties of these biodiesel hybrid fuels. Tmax values (the temperature at maximum decomposition rate) of biodiesel hybrid fuels were shifted to higher temperatures and DTGmax (the maximum decomposition rate) decreased upon the formation of microemulsion. Biodiesel microemulsification had the same effect on reduction of activation energy of biodiesel as blending diesel into biodiesel (50/50, V/V). The activation energy at lower conversion rate (α) was reduced significantly, demonstrating the great potential of using microemulsification to improve the ignition properties of the biodiesel.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
