Effect of the Use of Biodiesel on the Materials of the Engine Components

Abstract

Biodiesel is regarded as a viable substitute to diesel fuel owing to its green and biodegradable origin. Among the main advantages are reducing CO2 demand and the absence of SO2 emissions since it does not produce sulphur. This work aims to investigate the effect of biodiesel usage on the properties of specific engine components, such as polymeric sections, ceramic materials used as thermal barriers, and lubricating oil. Mechanical tests were performed on samples of various polymers used in parts of the fuel system of current diesel engines subjected to varying biodiesel interaction periods. Specifically, measures of fuel absorption in acrylonitrile "o" rings and hoses and their effect on final mechanical properties. The results show that more significant biodiesel cuts result in greater absorption and degradation of mechanical properties. The chemical analyses were performed on the engine oil at various levels of a long-term evaluation conducted on the test bench. The objective was to determine the possible contamination of the same and variation of its lubricating properties. The conclusions were made about the actions of materials that remain in touch with biodiesel analysis of data collected during the various trials.