Biofuels are an important component of a sustainable fuel future. The implementation of such fuels into existing and new engine designs requires an understanding of their interactions with the engine’s components at temperature. The formation of soot deposits on hot metal components, when in contact with fuels at elevated temperatures, can reduce engine performance. We have devised a test rig to measure soot formation from individual biofuel components. Fuel can be sprayed onto metal surfaces the elevated temperatures that occur in an engine and under controlled atmospheres. Using this system, we have studied the formation of carbon deposits on steel, nickel and aluminum metals using the pure small molecule bio-derived gasoline substitutes and fuel mixture simulants. The amount and chemical identity of the deposits formed were studied using Raman spectroscopy. Understanding the quantity and nature of carbon deposits formed from biofuels at elevated temperatures is important for fuel choice and engine design.

Thermal degradation of biofuels under simulated engine conditions

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.