Development and evaluation of a novel agro-based multifunctional oxygenated bio-additive “HFS” as a combustion catalyst for diesel

Abstract

The current study is the first report on a novel, facile and eco-friendly multifunctional fuel bio-additive technology, which involves the use of agricultural wastes (Cocos nucifera and Areca catechu husks biomass blended with sunflower oil in the ratio 1:20, w/v). This novel fuel additive not only eliminates the need for conditioning period but also imparts no adverse effect on the diesel engine, demonstrating fuel economy of 10.56% and average nozzle fouling of 71% at 0.1 mm lift. Even when used at the lowest dose (HFS/diesel, 1:10, v/v), HFS still controlled the formation of deposits on the injector nozzles of an indirect injection diesel engine and demonstrated fewer harmful emissions in comparison to neat diesel (reductions in CO, HC, NOx and CO2 by 24.63%, 21.23%, 25.45% and 28.36% respectively); and the considerable reduction in CO emissions indicated that the fuel was oxygenated by HFS. Raw fuel economy data analysis for both neat and HFS blended diesel showed that the combined average carbon-based fuel savings was 10.56% higher in the case of HFS blended diesel as compared to the neat one. It was concluded that using HFS as an additive would immediately improve the combustion properties of commercial diesel without compromising on the engine health and contribute towards lessening the carbon footprint in the long run.