Influence of nanoadditives on ignition characteristics of Kusum ( Schleichera oleosa ) biodiesel

Abstract

Biodiesel obtained from inedible sources emerged as a productive approach in Indian energy scenario due to the scarcity of food resources come up with extensive usage of edible crops. Kusum (Schleichera oleosa) oil is abundantly available in India and can be used as feedstock to produce biodiesel. However, issues such as higher viscosity, poor stability, and lower calorific value result in poor ignition characteristics, hence limiting its use in combustion applications. An improvement in performance and emission characteristics can be achieved by doping nanoparticles in Kusum biodiesel (KBD). The present work examines the impact of a metal compound and carbon-primarily based nanoparticles on the evaporation time and ignition probability of the KBD. During the experimental process, different fuel samples of KBD were prepared by amalgamating nanoparticles; then, a sequence of hot plate (stainless steel) ignition test was conducted on these test fuels. The comparative assessment of neat biodiesel and the biodiesel fuel doped with 30 ppm each of alumina (Al2O3), and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanoparticles were carried out. The Kusum oil was converted to biodiesel using two-stage transesterification process. In the initial stage, refined oil was gone through the acid catalyst esterification process followed by the transesterification reaction. The prepared methyl ester was confirmed and characterized using GC-MS technique. The thermophysical and spray properties of the test fuels including density, viscosity, calorific value, cloud/pour point, Sauter mean diameter (SMD), and specific surface area (SSA) were also calculated. The experimental result showed a significant increase in ignition probability and heat conduction properties due to improved surface area/volume ratio. Also, lower evaporation time was noted for metal/carbon-based nanoparticles doped biodiesel as compared with neat biodiesel.