Pure Canola Research Articles

Experimental Study on Tribological, Rheological and Bio-degradability Characteristics of Canola Oil with TiO2 Nanoparticles as Bio-nanolubricants

In response to growing environmental concerns about the adverse effects of conventional lubricants, there has been a surge in the demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Biodegradable lubricants, crafted from renewable sources, represent a sustainable solution to address these environmental apprehensions. This research describes the tribological, rheological properties and biodegradability of rapeseed oil with 0.25 to 1.25 weight percent TiO2 nanoparticles as additives. The lubricant samples were prepared using a magnetic stirrer and an ultrasonic device. Friction and wear properties such as coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter were determined using a four-ball tester. In comparison with SAE20W40, samples 1 (0.25 weight percentage of TiO2) and sample 2 (0.5 weight percentage of TiO2) shown remarkably improved tribological performance, with 73.32% and 66.76% decreases in coefficient of friction (COF), respectively. Shear stress, shear rate and dynamic viscosity are analyzed using a rheometer. The acquired results are juxtaposed with both pure canola oil and various mineral oils for comparison. The nano-lubricant synthesized in this study emerges as a viable alternative to SAE10, DXT3 (steering fluid), and SAE20W50 grade oils, demonstrating lower friction and a reduced wear scar diameter. Biodegradability tests were performed on all generated samples using the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) apparatus, and all samples exhibited a BOD to Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) ratio better than 0.5, indicating biocompatibility. The findings of the research investigation indicate that the combination of canola oil with TiO2 blends holds significant promise as an alternative to conventional synthetic lubricant oils.

In pursuit of sustainability in machining titanium alloys using phosphonium-based halogen-free ionic liquids as potential metalworking fluid additives

In recent years, researchers have investigated ionic liquids (ILs) as suitable metalworking fluids (MWFs) additive. Most commonly used ILs contain halogen anions, which creates issues related to corrosion and toxicity. However, phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs (HF-ILs) provide a safer alternate with enhanced biodegradability and minimal adverse effects on the environment. This research examines the potential of HF-ILs as an additive to canola oil. In this research two halogenated ILs [BMIM][PF6]- and [BMIM][BF4]- and one halogen-free IL ([P6,6,6,14][i(C8)2PO2]-) were added 1 % by volume in canola oil. First, the thermophysical properties of these synthesized MWFs were evaluated. Result concluded that the HF-ILs reduced contact angles on both the workpiece and the cutting tool surfaces by 12– 15 % compared to pure canola oil. Whereas, improved the thermal conductivity by 10.5 %. Furthermore, the machining operation was carried out at two cutting speeds (80 and 100 m/min) and feed (0.1 and 0.2 mm/rev) to analyse the effect of synthesized MWFs under the minimum quantity lubrication method. Findings concluded that phosphonium-based halogen-free IL showed better cutting performance, with reduction in tool wear, cutting temperature by 10–33 %, and surface roughness by 34−46 %. Additionally, this approach supports a "greener" and more sustainable work environment by lowering MWF consumption by using minimal quantity lubrication, reducing tool wear and surface roughness which helps in cost reduction and product rejection for any manufacturing industry.

Effects Analysis of FAME on the Engine Characteristics of Different Polymerized Biofuels in Compression Ignition Engine

Environmental pollution caused by marine engines fueled with fossil fuels is a matter of growing significance. The search for renewable and clean energy sources and improvements in the way fossil fuels are burnt aims to reduce the environmental impact of these engines. For this purpose, fatty acid methyl esters were produced from pure canola oil using KOH-assisted methanol-based transesterification with a maximum yield of 90.68 ± 1.6%. The marine engine’s model was created with CONVERGE software, followed by experimental verification. This paper examines the blended fuel characteristics of a diesel engine with biodiesel blends (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) at different loads of engines (50%, 75%, and 100%). It also explores the variation in these characteristics of B10 (10% biodiesel–diesel blends) at three different load conditions and four different EGR rates (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The results indicate that the addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel reduces CO, HC, and soot emissions, while increasing NOx emissions. Additionally, the EGR rate decreases NOx emissions but results in higher levels of soot, CO, and HC emissions. Finally, response surface methodology was used to elicit the engine’s characteristics. It was determined that the optimum experimental operating conditions were 100% engine load, 6.9% biodiesel addition, and 7.7% EGR. The corresponding BTE, BSFC, NOx, and HC emissions were 38.15%, 282.62 g/(kW-h), 274.38 ppm, and 410.37 ppm, respectively.

Assessment of Self-Ignition Properties of Canola Oil–n-Hexane Blends in a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber and Compression Ignition Engine

This article presents the results of an assessment of the combustion process of blends of n-hexane and canola oil. Tests were conducted for pure canola oil and its blends with n-hexane, with a max. n-hexane content of 20% by volume. The tests were carried out using the constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) method as well as a diesel engine. For comparison purposes, the results for typical diesel fuel are also presented. Tests on the self-ignition properties of the n-hexane–canola oil blend, conducted in a CVCC according to the normative method for diesel fuel, showed little effect on the combustion process. However, previous tests conducted on a diesel engine of a passenger car showed a favorable effect of the n-hexane addition to canola oil on the combustion process in the engine, the performance and environmental parameters obtained. This shows that for some fuels, the evaluation of self-ignition and combustion properties in a constant volume combustion chamber, under conditions corresponding to diesel fuel tests, is not sufficient. The findings of this research may be beneficial in optimizing the diesel engine combustion systems fueled by renewable fuels. As the results of the tests have shown, the standardized method for determining the combustion process of the CVCC method does not always fully reflect the results obtained in engine tests. The results obtained by the CVCC method can be successfully used when comparing fuels, but when considering the selection of fuel for the engine, the results obtained in engine tests should be relied on first and foremost.

Chemical, Physical, and Technological Characteristics of Palm Olein and Canola Oil Blends

Because of the limited technical properties of their native forms, oils and fats are frequently blended to achieve the desired textural and oxidative properties. In this study, canola and palm oil blends were prepared in nine different proportions: B1 (90 : 10), B2 (80 : 20), B3 (70 : 30), B4 (60 : 40), B5 (50 : 50), B6 (40 : 60), B7 (30 : 70), B8 (20 : 80), and B9 (10 : 90). Pure palm oil (PO) and canola oil (CO) were used as the controls. All blends were assessed for physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, heat treatment, and polymer content. The results indicated negative cold tests only for B1 and B2 blends with 10 and 20% PO, respectively. Iodine value decreased with increasing palm oil concentration and was lowest (62.03 ± 0.526) for blend B9, i.e., 90% PO. The fatty acid profile indicated more saturated fatty acids and a higher percentage of oleic acid in PO than in CO. The fatty acid profile values of blends B1–B9 were between those of the pure PO and CO. Linoleic and linolenic acids were more in blends B1–B9 than those in pure PO. The polymer content of PO (7.17%) was found to be lower than that of CO (10.32%) after 60 h of heating at 180°C. In addition, biologically active substances (BASs), which could be formed during the frying process, were tested by measuring the inhibition zone of E. coli growth. PO retarded BAS formation. The blended palm or canola oils resulted in better stability and increased organoleptic characteristics and hence can be suitable as economical and healthy alternatives to pure palm or canola oil.

Wetting behaviour of phosphonium-based halogen-free ionic liquids as lubricant additives on various metal surfaces

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) have high demand in manufacturing industries as they reduce the friction and wear of the surfaces in contact and improve the life of the system. Traditionally, petroleum-based MWFs are used, which may cause major health risks to machine operators and have a detrimental effect on the environment. Ionic liquids (ILs) have commenced as a potential alternative to conventional MWFs due to their unique properties such as low or negligible volatility, high polarity, high thermal stability, and better spreadability. However, the majority of the investigated ILs contain halogen-based anions, which are moisture sensitive and have the potential to generate hazardous halogen acids. These acids are harmful to the environment and have the potential to corrode working surfaces. The ILs properties such as viscosity, and wettability play an important role in the tribological performance of sliding pairs. This research work examines the wetting behaviour of one phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs and two halogen-based ILs as an additive to canola oil on mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum and titanium alloys. For comparison, the wetting behaviour of pure canola oil on different alloys was also examined using a contact angle goniometer. The finding suggests that wetting behaviour of phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs blended with canola oil shows a low contact angle for all different alloys due to the presence of long alkyl chain as compared to other MWFs. Furthermore, the wetting behaviour of the same MWFs varies for different metal surfaces due to the intermolecular interaction between ions of ILs and the surface adsorption properties of different metals. Presumably, this study shows the potential of wetting behaviour/spreadability of phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs as lubricant additives on various metal surfaces. The phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs blended with canola oil shows contact angle in the range of 23° to 28° at the stabilizing time of 1000 ms on the surface polished with 320G abrasive sheet for all materials, whereas, with canola oil, the contact angle varies in between 28° to 38° the with same parametric conditions. Overall, 27% and 22% improvements in spreadability were observed using phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs blended in canola oil on the surface of mild steel and titanium, respectively for polished surfaces with 320G abrasive sheet after stabilizing time of 1000 ms. At the same parameters, for steel and aluminum, only 7% and 8% improvements in spreadability were observed, respectively.

Municipal plastic waste recycling in fluid catalytic cracking units: Production of petrochemicals and fuel in an fluid catalytic cracking pilot plant from biogenic and recycled feedstocks

Decarbonization of industrial plants and integration of plastic wastes into a circular economy are increasingly finding their way into government strategy outlooks and actual legislation. By utilization of existing industrial processes for co-feeding of biogenic and/or recycled feedstocks the financial entry barrier to more sustainability in crude oil refineries could be lowered.Via usage of canola oil, together with syncrude derived from pyrolyzed plastic wastes, in a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) pilot plant the suitability of these feedstocks for co-feeding was confirmed. The experimental work was conducted on a continuously operating FCC pilot plant located at Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien). Maintaining an average cracking temperature of 550°C and a feeding rate of 2.5 kg/h, pure canola oil and three canola oil/ pyrolysis oil ratios (5, 10 and 20 %wt pyrolysis oil admixture) were processed. The results showed increased gasoline, olefin, and coke yields whilst co-feeding reduced the non-olefinic gas, light cycle oil and residue yields.

Machining of titanium alloys using phosphonium-based halogen-free ionic liquid as lubricant additives

PurposeNowadays, ionic liquids (ILs) are used as lubricant additives because of their ability to improve tribological characteristics. However, majority of the ILs contains halogen-based anions. They are extremely sensitive to moisture and produce detrimental halides and halogen acids when reacted with moisture and water. These halides and halogen acids are harmful to the health and environment of the operator’s. This paper aims to study four different lubricants including two halogen-based ILs blended in canola oil and two phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs blended in canola oil and in pure canola oil.Design/methodology/approachViscosity and contact angle were measured by using rheometer and contact angle goniometer, respectively. Machining experiments were performed using turning centre with four different lubricants at two different cutting speeds and temperatures, and the machining forces, tool morphology and roughness of the machined surface were analysed.FindingsThe results showed that the inclusion of 1% phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs blended in canola oil increased the viscosity by 44.8% and reduced the cutting and thrust force by 21.7% and 26.8%, respectively, compared to pure canola oil lubricant. Microscopic analysis of tool showed lower adhesive and abrasive wear when machined with phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs blended in canola oil. The workpiece surface roughness reduced by 32% for phosphonium-based halogen-free ILs blended in canola oil compared with pure canola oil.Originality/valueHalogen-free ILs are possible green lubricants, as they do not contain harmful elements such as F, S, B and Cl like halogen-based ILs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is presumably the first work which shows machining performance of halogen-free ILs as lubricant additives.

Mathematical Modelling of Canola Oil Biodegradation and Optimisation of Biosurfactant Production by an Antarctic Bacterial Consortium Using Response Surface Methodology

An Antarctic soil bacterial consortium (reference BS14) was confirmed to biodegrade canola oil, and kinetic studies on this biodegradation were carried out. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of BS14 to produce biosurfactants during the biodegradation of canola oil. Secondary mathematical equations were chosen for kinetic analyses (Monod, Haldane, Teissier–Edwards, Aiba and Yano models). At the same time, biosurfactant production was confirmed through a preliminary screening test and further optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). Mathematical modelling demonstrated that the best-fitting model was the Haldane model for both waste (WCO) and pure canola oil (PCO) degradation. Kinetic parameters including the maximum degradation rate (μmax) and maximum concentration of substrate tolerated (Sm) were obtained. For WCO degradation these were 0.365 min−1 and 0.308%, respectively, while for PCO they were 0.307 min−1 and 0.591%, respectively. The results of all preliminary screenings for biosurfactants were positive. BS14 was able to produce biosurfactant concentrations of up to 13.44 and 14.06 mg/mL in the presence of WCO and PCO, respectively, after optimisation. The optimum values for each factor were determined using a three-dimensional contour plot generated in a central composite design, where a combination of 0.06% salinity, pH 7.30 and 1.55% initial substrate concentration led to the highest biosurfactant production when using WCO. Using PCO, the highest biosurfactant yield was obtained at 0.13% salinity, pH 7.30 and 1.25% initial substrate concentration. This study could help inform the development of large-scale bioremediation applications, not only for the degradation of canola oil but also of other hydrocarbons in the Antarctic by utilising the biosurfactants produced by BS14.

Tribological Behavior of Mild Steel under Canola Biolubricant Conditions

New lubricants based on vegetable oil were developed in this study. Different blends of canola oil mixed with fully synthetic two stock engine oils were developed (0, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of synthetic oil). The viscosity of the prepared blends was determined at different temperatures (20°C–80°C). Tribological experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of the newly developed oil on the wear characteristics of mild steel material compared with stainless steel when subjected to adhesive wear loading. The weight loss (WL) and the specific wear rate (SWR) of the mild steel using each of the prepared lubricants were determined. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the worn surface of the mild steel. The results revealed that pure canola oil as a lubricant performed competitively against a blend of 80% synthetic and 20% canola oils. The viscosity of the canola oil and its various blends with synthetic oil are controlled by the environmental temperature since an increased temperature reduces the viscosity. Also, the experimental results revealed that operating parameters play the main role in controlling the wear behavior of mild steel since increasing the sliding distances increases the weight loss. The specific wear rate exhibited a steady state after about 5 km sliding distance, and different blends influenced the applied loads and velocity differently. The mixing ratio of canola and syntactic oil was not particularly significant since the pure canola oil exhibited competitive wear performance compared with the blends. However, an intermediate mixing ratio (40%–60% synthetic oil mixed with 60%–40% canola) can produce a slightly low specific wear rate among other things.

The Use of Response Surface Methodology as a Statistical Tool for the Optimisation of Waste and Pure Canola Oil Biodegradation by Antarctic Soil Bacteria.

Hydrocarbons can cause pollution to Antarctic terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, both through accidental release and the discharge of waste cooking oil in grey water. Such pollutants can persist for long periods in cold environments. The native microbial community may play a role in their biodegradation. In this study, using mixed native Antarctic bacterial communities, several environmental factors influencing biodegradation of waste canola oil (WCO) and pure canola oil (PCO) were optimised using established one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response surface methodology (RSM) approaches. The factors include salinity, pH, type of nitrogen and concentration, temperature, yeast extract and initial substrate concentration in OFAT and only the significant factors proceeded for the statistical optimisation through RSM. High concentration of substrate targeted for degradation activity through RSM compared to OFAT method. As for the result, all factors were significant in PBD, while only 4 factors were significant in biodegradation of PCO (pH, nitrogen concentration, yeast extract and initial substrate concentration). Using OFAT, the most effective microbial community examined was able to degrade 94.42% and 86.83% (from an initial concentration of 0.5% (v/v)) of WCO and PCO, respectively, within 7 days. Using RSM, 94.99% and 79.77% degradation of WCO and PCO was achieved in 6 days. The significant interaction for the RSM in biodegradation activity between temperature and WCO concentration in WCO media were exhibited. Meanwhile, in biodegradation of PCO the significant factors were between (1) pH and PCO concentration, (2) nitrogen concentration and yeast extract, (3) nitrogen concentration and PCO concentration. The models for the RSM were validated for both WCO and PCO media and it showed no significant difference between experimental and predicted values. The efficiency of canola oil biodegradation achieved in this study provides support for the development of practical strategies for efficient bioremediation in the Antarctic environment.

Efficiency Evaluation on the Influence of Washing Methods for Biodiesel Produced from High Free Fatty Acid Waste Vegetable Oils through Selected Quality Parameters

The increasing use of alternative energy sources has brought benefits like the recycling of waste vegetable oils (WVO) for biodiesel production; however, this practice presents challenges derived from a highly variable raw matter. Our research focused on the washing techniques usually employed by small to medium scale producers which may lack the infrastructure to perform high-grade purification and often relay on the employment of “artisanal” technology. We report biodiesel production from pure canola oil (C1) and a mix of soybean/canola oil (C2) as well as WVO from sample C2 with high free fatty acid content (2.7 FFA %) oil. We selected seven quality tests: pH determination, cloud, pour and flash point, acid number (AN), water/sediments and soap content considering the most commonly failed checkpoints in biodiesel production. From the use of four washing techniques, we determined that the sawdust filtration had the highest recovering yield with 89%. The majority of the washed biodiesel met the America Society of Testing Material (ASTM) standard limits for the tests selected. Biodiesel stability was tested from week 0 to week 6, determining a shelf life of three weeks in optimal conditions without the addition of antioxidants or specific storage conditions.

Raman Spectroscopy–Based Characterization of Canola Oil

In this article, Raman spectroscopy has been utilized for the first time to characterize pure canola oil samples extracted directly from its seeds through cold press and chemical method and six commercial oil brands. Raman spectra were acquired directly from oil samples by using laser at 785 nm to investigate their valuable ingredients. It has been observed that Raman bands evolving at 1156 and 1525 cm−1 represent beta-carotene, which are present in pure canola oil samples and absolutely absent in commercial brands. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on the molecular composition of pure and commercial oil brands has been investigated by heating individual samples at the temperatures of 100, 110, 120, 130, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 200 °C, each for 30 min. It has been found that pure canola oil retains beta-carotene and other valuable fatty acids until heated up to 150 °C; however, it showed a trend of thermal oxidation at all temperatures, whereas, in commercial brands, heating does not induce much spectral variations, which might be due to already treated with high temperatures during refining processes. Statistical analysis has been performed through principal component analysis (PCA) to produce classification among oil samples based on their minute spectral variations.

Using a stable pre-emulsified canola oil system that includes porcine plasma protein hydrolysates and oxidized tannic acid to partially replace pork fat in frankfurters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different forms of canola oil (pure liquid form or a pre-emulsified form that includes porcine plasma protein hydrolysates modified by oxidized tannic acid) used for pork back-fat substitutions on the physico-chemical characteristics of frankfurters. When compared to the control group, partial replacement of pork back-fat using a pre-emulsified canola oil system exhibited excellent water and fat binding capacities, quicker relaxation times and lower amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (P < .05), as well as increased hardness, gumminess, and chewiness (P < .05) when verified by dynamic rheology analysis. Additionally, higher replacement ratio of pre-emulsified canola oil did significantly decrease the overall acceptability than the control group (P < .05). Our results indicate that pre-emulsified canola oil provided greater improvement with respect to the physical characteristics of partial pork back-fat replaced frankfurters, when compared to pure canola oil inclusion.

Qualitative Assessment of Biodiesel Produced from Primary Edible Oil Wastewater Sludge

Biodiesel is a suitable substitute for fossil fuels and is more environmentally friendly. However, the use of dedicated crops to produce biodiesel threatens food security and alternative feedstocks are therefore being evaluated. This study compared the performance of biodiesel produced from primary wastewater sludge from the edible oil industry with conventional biodiesel produced from pure canola oil, and commercial diesel from fossil fuel (50 ppm sulfur). The fuels were tested using a single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine operated under steady state conditions at full load. The energetic performance parameters were computed and evaluated. The biodiesel produced from the wastewater sludge performed well. The thermal efficiency was 30.75% (compared to 28.4% and 26.95 for conventional biodiesel and petroleum-based commercial diesel, respectively). The fuel consumption was higher than commercial diesel at a maximum brake power of 12.8 kW (0.15 and 0.31 kg/kW.h for commercial diesel and wastewater sludge biodiesel respectively) but it was more environmentally friendly in terms of gaseous emissions–both fuels showed a linear decrease in emissions proportionate to the increase in engine speed, reaching averages of 51.5 ppm/g/h and 89.9 ppm/g/h nitrous oxides, respectively at 2000 rpm, and 249.3 ppm/g/h and 310.4 ppm/g/h carbon monoxide, respectively at 800 rpm. From the engine evaluation, it was concluded that the energy generation from the wastewater sludge biodiesel and commercial diesel was similar, but that the former was more environmentally friendly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Canola oil/glycerol mixtures in a continously operated FCC pilot plant and comparison with vacuum gas oil/glycerol mixtures

Catalytic cracking of glycerol/canola oil mixtures was conducted in a continuously operated FCC pilot plant at TU Wien. The range of mixtures was from pure canola oil to pure glycerol with several mixtures in between. The aim of this research was to prove if the addition of glycerol to the feed can be feasible and to determine changes in product quality. The set riser temperature was 550 °C and the selected feedrate was 2.7 kg/h. As bed material a zeolite-based commercially available FCC-equilibrium catalyst was used. Utilizing a 7 lump model the products were characterized. Viable products like cracking gas (C1–C4) and the gasoline lump (paraffins, olefins and aromatics) were analyzed in detail. The experiments showed that product distribution was mainly dependent on the glycerol content in the feed. The gas, gasoline and LCO + residue lump decreased dramatically. Non-viable products like water, coke and carbon oxides, on the other hand, increased significantly. Hence, it was concluded that under set conditions and parameters glycerol might only be beneficial to the FCC process in small admixtures because of possible control coke-make. Additionally, a comparison was made between experiments using canola oil/glycerol mixtures and VGO/glycerol mixtures.

Performance evaluation of textured carbide tools under environment-friendly minimum quantity lubrication turning strategies

Present investigation is focused to study the impact of different lubricating environments using pure canola oil and graphene mixed in canola oil, on the performance of uncoated carbide textured tools in minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) turning of AISI 4340 hardened steel. The influence of using twin jet and single jet was also studied under MQL. The turning performance was evaluated in terms of flank wear (VBmax), cutting forces, cutting temperature, and chip morphology. The results showed that MQL mist supplied simultaneously on rake and flank face of the textured tool by twin-jet nozzle performed better than MQL mist supplied on the rake face of textured tool by the single-jet nozzle. Out of all the tested lubricating environments, best tool life was achieved with nanoparticle minimum quantity lubrication (NMQL) using the twin jet followed by only oil using twin jet as compared to all other conditions tested in this study. The outcome of the study illustrates that MQL mist of graphene which is mixed in canola oil on a textured tool with the twin-jet nozzle can be successfully applied for finish turning of hardened steel.

Increased heat tolerance afforded by oil-based conidial formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae and Metarhizium robertsii

ABSTRACTThe thermotolerance of oil-based conidial formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. (IP 46) and Metarhizium robertsii (ARSEF 2575) were investigated. Conidia of IP 46 or ARSEF 2575 were suspended in different adjuvants and exposed to 45 ± 0.2°C for 4, 6, 8 or 24 h; their viability was then assessed after 48 h incubation at 27 ± 1°C. Conidia heated in pure mineral or vegetable oil exhibited mean relative viability exceeding 70% after 8 h of heat exposure, whereas low germination (≤20%) was observed when conidia were heated in water (Tween 80® 0.01%), carboxymethyl cellulose gel or emulsifiable oils (Graxol® or Assist®) and exposed to heat for 6 or 8 h. In addition, conidia of IP 46 suspended in either pure mineral or canola oil and exposed to heat for 48 h had moderate viability, 57% or 41%, respectively. Unstable oil-in-water emulsions showed a higher percentage of conidia incorporated into oil micellae, while the stable emulsions had higher percentage of conidia outside the oil micellae. The thermotolerance of conidia formulated in stable emulsions, however, did not differ from that of conidia formulated in unstable emulsions. The present study highlights possibilities to alleviate the deleterious effects of heat stress towards Metarhizium spp. conidia applied for controlling arthropod pests and vectors through oil-based formulations.

Application of Canola Oil Biodiesel/Diesel Blends in a Common Rail Diesel Engine

In this study, the application effects of canola oil biodiesel/diesel blends in a common rail diesel engine was experimentally investigated. The test fuels were denoted as ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel), BD20 (20% canola oil blended with 80% ULSD by volume), and PCO (pure canola oil), respectively. These three fuels were tested under an engine speed of 1500 rpm with various brake mean effective pressures (BMEPs). The results indicated that PCO can be used well in the diesel engine without engine modification, and that BD20 can be used as a good alternative fuel to reduce the exhaust pollution. In addition, at low engine loads (0.13 MPa and 0.26 MPa), the combustion pressure of PCO is the smallest, compared with BD20 and ULSD, because the lower calorific value of PCO is lower than that of ULSD. However, at high engine loads (0.39 MPa and 0.52 MPa), the rate of heat release (ROHR) of BD20 is the highest because the canola oil biodiesel is an oxygenated fuel that promotes combustion, shortening the ignition delay period. For exhaust emissions, by using canola oil biodiesel, the particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were considerably reduced with increased BMEP. The nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increased only slightly due to the inherent presence of oxygen in biodiesel.

An Experimental study of Coagulation Profile in Albino Rats Fed on Canola Oil Supplemented with Atherogenic Element for a period of 6 weeks

An experimental study on albino rats was designed to estimate the coagulation parameters like Prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplatin Time (APTT) and fibrinogen level and coagulation parameters were compared in animals fed on low and high cone of canola oil and canola supplemented with atherogenic element. Sixty albino rats were selected and divided into five different groups with twelve rats in each group. Group A was given synthetic diet (control) and other four groups were given low and high cone. of canola oil and canola oil+atherogenic elements for 6 weeks duration. At 6th week blood samples were collected. PT and APTT were reduced in groups taking different cone of canola + atherogenic element when compared with those on pure canola oil. Groups on canola+atherogenic diet showed increased fibrinogen level when comparing with those on pure canola oil for six weeks.