The role of nano additives for biodiesel and diesel blended transportation fuels

The energy crisis is due to two reasons, one is the rapid increase in worldwide population and the other is changing living style of human beings. The fossil fuel is also a major contributor to add the harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Fuel modifications play a major role in increasing engine efficiency and reducing emissions. In the present investigation focused on fuel modifications in diesel engine. Initially the single cylinder diesel engine was operated with 20MEOM, 40MEOM, 60MEOM, 8MEOM and 100MEOM without additives with diesel at different loads at constant rated speed. From the experimental study proved that 20MEOM is the best fuel ratio compared to other blends. In second phase based upon first phase results the engine was operated 20MEOM blended fuel with adding 50 ppm copper oxide nano additives with diesel using solgel process. From the results, the brake thermal efficiency was 2.19% improved compared than 20MEOM blend without additive at full load condition. Emissions of HC, CO and smoke were considerably reduced. The present analysis reveals that the biofuel from mahua oil with nano additives is quite suitable as an alternate fuel for diesel engine. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.