Performance of graphene-added palm biodiesel in a diesel engine

An experimental study to unveil the effects of graphene into palm biodiesel on the compression ignition engine is conducted. Transesterified palm oil biodiesel is mixed with commercially available graphene through ultrasonication process. The study is performed by varying the engine loading conditions using the diesel, the blend of diesel and palm biodiesel blend, and nano-dispersed palm biodiesel blend at dosing levels of 50 ppm, 75 ppm, and 100 ppm. Results indicate that the presence on graphene reduces the ignition delay and improves the premixed combustion. Engine results indicate that the addition of graphene has resulted in 2.5% higher thermal efficiency. Due to graphene, the emission levels of unburned hydrocarbon are decreased by 17% and those of carbon monoxide are decreased by 34%, whereas the emission of oxides of nitrogen is increased slightly (3.8%).