Compatibility of Ethanol-Diesel Blends for Use as Engine Fuel

The studies were conducted to assess the suitability and effectiveness of different surfactants in stabilizing ethanol-diesel blends and the fuel properties of formulated fuels. Sixty four micro-emulsions of different proofs of ethanol and diesel were prepared by using ethyl acetate,1-octanol and soy biodiesel as surfactants. Eleven stable microemulsions, three from each surfactant group and two based on past review were selected for study of  fuel properties like relative density, kinematic viscosity, dynamic viscosity, cloud and pour point, cold filter plugging point, flash and fire point, aniline point, diesel index, cetane number, gross heat of combustion, carbon residue, reid vapour pressure and copper strip corrosion test. The percentage and degree proof of ethanol were found to have a greater effect on fuel properties of formulated fuels. Fuels properties of microemulsions 180⁰[1:0.11:0.15] diesel: ethanol:1-octanol  and 200⁰[1:0.053:0.35] diesel: ethanol: biodiesel respectively replacing 20.7 and 28.75 %some formulated fuels were found close to that of diesel can be taken for engine performance to access their suitability as engine fuel.