Evaluated the effects of nature α-olefins (limonene, β-caryophyllene and camphene) as additives on the cold flow properties of diesel fuel

Abstract

Pour Point Depressants (PPDs) are currently deemed the most efficacious methodology to enhance the low-temperature fluidity of diesel fuel. However, the majority of these PPDs present complications such as high costs, intricate synthesis procedures, and exhibit potential biotoxicity. To address these challenges, natural α-olefins (β-caryophyllene, limonene and camphene) with 1-hexadecene in varying ratios (5, 10, 15, 20, 25:1) were successfully polymerized at ordinary temperature as poly-α-olefine pour point depressant (PAO PPD), and designated as 1-hexadecane-β-caryophyllene (C16-SZX), 1-hexadecane-limonene (C16-NMX), 1-hexadecane-camphene (C16-KX). An in-depth examination was conducted on the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) and solid point (SP) of both untreated and PPD-added diesel. Subsequently, the finding clearly demonstrates that the CFPP and SP were separately reduced 10 and 32 °C in diesel treated with a molar ratio of 10:1 of C16-KX at the dosage of 2000 ppm. Meanwhile, a comprehensive study was undertaken to investigate the influence of natural α-olefins on the reduction of low-temperature fluidity in diesel fuel. The inhibitory impacts of natural molecular formations on wax crystals were meticulously scrutinized, particularly their roles in modifying the growth patterns of these crystals. Eventually, a novel mechanism by which poly-α-olefine alters the crystalline behavior of wax crystals is proposed.