Physical and chemical properties of ethanol–diesel fuel blends

This paper discusses the physical–chemical properties of ethanol–diesel fuel blends. The attention is focused on the properties which influence the injection and engine characteristics significantly. Main properties have been investigated experimentally. The analysis of experimentally obtained fuel properties of tested fuels and their influence on engine characteristics are presented. Physical and chemical properties of diesel fuel and ethanol–diesel fuel blends were measured according to requirements and test methods for diesel fuel (EN590, 2003). The tested fuels were neat mineral diesel fuel (D100), 5% (v/v) ethanol/diesel fuel blend (E05D95), 10% (v/v) ethanol–diesel fuel blend (E10D90) and 15% (v/v) ethanol–diesel fuel blend (E15D85). It has been proved that, for ethanol–diesel fuel blends, some additives are necessary to keep stability under low temperature conditions. Also, cold weather properties test, such as cloud point and pour point tests are negatively affected by phase separation. The rest of the properties, excepting flash point, were within diesel fuel standard specifications. Based on this study, it can be concluded that using additives to avoid phase separation and to raise flash point, blends of diesel fuel with ethanol up to 15% can be used to fuel diesel engines if engine performance tests corroborate it.