Effect of temperature on the corrosion behaviour of mild steel upon exposure to palm biodiesel

Abstract

Recently biodiesel as an alternative fuel is getting more significance to replace diesel fuel completely or partially. However, corrosion of automotive materials in biodiesel is a major concern as this can reduce of engine life. This study aims to investigate the corrosion behaviour of mild steel at three different temperatures viz., room temperature, 50 and 80˚C. Static immersion tests in B0 (diesel), B50 (50% biodiesel in diesel), B100 (biodiesel) were carried out for 1200 hours. At the end of the tests, corrosion characteristic was investigated by weight loss measurements and changes of the exposed metal surface. Fuels were analyzed by using TAN analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in order to investigate the change in acidity and oxidation of fuel respectively upon exposure. Surface morphology was examined by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Corrosion products were detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that the corrosion of mild steel increases with increasing temperature. Exposure of biodiesel to mild steel at high temperature increases the water content and oxidation products.