Spectroscopic verification of biodiesel synthesis from turpentine tree oil through two-step chemical reactions: investigation of the use of synthesized biodiesel and acetone as fuel additives in diesel engines

ABSTRACT

In this research, the influence of acetone addition in diesel engines was assessed, examining its implications on combustion, performance, and emissions. Biodiesel was synthesized from turpentine oil via a dual-step process involving esterification and transesterification, validated through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance confirmed the presence of methyl esters while Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry facilitated the biodiesel component analysis. Tests on mixed fuels, conducted under varied load settings at 1500 rpm, showcased that introducing acetone to diesel escalated in-cylinder pressures, heat release rates, and gas temperatures but mitigated pressure rise rates. In contrast, its incorporation in the diesel/biodiesel blend revealed a decline in the aforementioned parameters and an enhancement in pressure rise rates. Specifically, diesel with acetone yielded a 2.72% and 8.07% reduction in brake specific fuel consumption and carbon monoxide emissions, respectively. However, brake thermal efficiency marginally elevated by 0.01%, accompanied by a 4.19% surge in nitrogen oxide emissions. Incorporating acetone in the diesel/biodiesel blend led to a 1.13% reduction in brake thermal efficiency and a notable 7.53% cut in nitrogen oxide emissions, while brake specific fuel consumption and carbon monoxide emissions rose by 1.14% and 3.61%, respectively. These effects of acetone necessitate additional research to explore its potential as an additive.

KEYWORDS:

• Terebinth oil
• esterification
• spectroscopy
• acetone
• emissions
• combustion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Nomenclature

DFDiesel fuelsNOxNitrogen oxidesCOCarbon monoxideHCHydrocarbonsBTEBrake thermal efficiencyTOTerebinth oilFT-IRFourier transform infrared spectroscopyGC-MSGas chromatography-mass spectrometryNMRNuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopyFFAsFree fatty acidsNaOHSodium hydroxideH2SO4Sulfuric acidKOHPotassium hydroxide

=

CH3OHMethanol BSFCBrake specific fuel consumption BPBrake power FAMEsFatty acid methyl esters CNCetane number CPCylinder pressure DFASDiesel fuel with added acetone B20AS20% biodiesel 80% Diesel + Acetone RONResearch octane number HRRHeat release rate PRRPressure rise rate 0CACrank angle MGTMean gas temperature

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Halis Deviren

Halis Deviren was born in 1983 in Mardin, Turkey. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Batman University, located in Batman. He received his master's degree in Automotive from Fırat University in Elazığ. He earned his doctoral degree from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Batman University. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer Doctor at Dicle University in Diyarbakır. His primary research areas include renewable energy sources, fuels, combustion, and internal combustion engines. He has published 27 articles in scientific journals and conference proceedings in these research areas. Additionally, he has served as an academic advisor on a TÜBİTAK project.

Erdal Çılğın

Erdal Çılğın was born in Tunceli, Turkey. He completed both his master's and doctoral degrees at Fırat University, Institute of Science and Technology, in the Department of Mechanical Education. From 2000 to 2018, he worked as a technical teacher and administrator in various institutions under the Ministry of National Education. In 2018, he began his tenure as a lecturer at the Technical Sciences Vocational School of Dicle University in Diyarbakır, within the Motor Vehicles and Transportation Technology Automotive Program. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at Dicle University, focusing his research on Energy, Internal Combustion Engines, and Alternative Fuels.