https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0863-7036
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ABSTRACT
Ignition delay is commonly used to evaluate biodiesel ignition quality and it is positively correlated to the activation energy of biodiesel. This study compared the effect of microemulsification and biodiesel/diesel blending on activation energies using thermogravimetric analysis. Water-in-biodiesel microemulsion was formed by the assistant of surfactant rhamnolipid (RL), with activation energies of water-in-biodiesel microemulsion and biodiesel/diesel blends being calculated for assessing thermal oxidation and ignition properties of these biodiesel hybrid fuels. Tmax values (the temperature at maximum decomposition rate) of biodiesel hybrid fuels were shifted to higher temperatures and DTGmax (the maximum decomposition rate) decreased upon the formation of microemulsion. Biodiesel microemulsification had the same effect on reduction of activation energy of biodiesel as blending diesel into biodiesel (50/50, V/V). The activation energy at lower conversion rate (α) was reduced significantly, demonstrating the great potential of using microemulsification to improve the ignition properties of the biodiesel.
Acknowledgments
The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51808278).
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Lijian Leng
Lijian Leng, Faculty of Nanchang University after obtaining his doctorate in Hunan University in 2017. His interest focuses on biofuel production and upgrade.
Liang Wei
Liang Wei, Postgraduate student of Nanchang University. His interest focuses on biofuel production and microalgae technology.
Wenyan Li
Wenyan Li, Undergraduate student of Nanchang University.
Xinwei Xu
Xinwei Xu, Undergraduate student of Nanchang University.
Songqi Leng
Songqi Leng, Postgraduate student of Nanchang University. His interest focuses on biofuel production.
Jun Li
Jun Li, Faculty of Nanchang University since 1993. His interest focuses on biotechnology for energy and environment.
Wenguang Zhou
Wenguang Zhou, Faculty of Nanchang University since 2015 and before this he was a faculty of University of Minnesota. His interest focuses on biotechnology for energy and environment.
