Investigation of the Effect of Stearic Acid Addition to Diesel on Combustion in a Compression Ignition Engine

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)16COOH. Stearic acid is used in the literature as a surfactant, plasticizer, reducer of flow resistance, water repellent (hydrophobic), reducing agent of hygroscopicity and dielectric film layer former. In addition, according to scientific studies, coating nanoparticles such as aluminium and boron with stearic acid increases their combustion stability. This study is a preliminary study for experimental studies on combustible solid particles. Due to the above-mentioned properties of stearic acid, it is desired to use it as a surfactant. However, the effect of stearic acid on combustion in a compression ignition engine needs to be investigated experimentally. For this purpose, stearic acid was used as an additive to diesel fuel in a compression ignition heavy-duty diesel engine. Stearic acid was added to the diesel fuel in the amounts of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm by mass. Then it was mixed with a stirrer for 45 minutes. The test engine was operated at 700 rpm and 300 Nm load. Engine performance and emission data were examined.