A new modified low-energy emulsification method for preparation of water-in-diesel fuel nanoemulsion as alternative fuel

ABSTRACT

In this research, 24 of water-in-diesel fuel nanoemulsions were prepared using mixed nonionic surfactants of sorbitan monooleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate (MTS). The emulsions were formed using a new modified low-energy method at hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 10 and a working temperature of 20°C. Five HLB values of 9.6, 9.8, 10, 10.2, and 10.4 were prepared to identify the optimum value that gives low water droplet size at working conditions as: 5 wt% of water contents, 10 wt% of mixed surfactant concentration, and a temperature of 20°C. The effect of mixed surfactant concentration and water content on the droplet size for 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days has been studied. Droplet size of the prepared nanoemulsions was determined by dynamic light scattering and the nanoemulsion stability was assessed by measuring the variation of the droplet size as a function of time. Results show that the mean droplet sizes were formed between 26.23 and 277.1 nm depending on the surfactant concentrations, water contents, and storage time.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Emulsifier
• low-energy emulsification method
• nanoemulsion
• Ostwald ripening
• water-in-diesel fuel nanoemulsions