Alcohol Additives in Biodiesel : Type, Properties, And Their Effects: Review

Over time the increasing energy demand and growing environmental problems have driven the development of biodiesel as a potential alternative to conventional diesel fuel.Biodiesel is produced via transesterification, derived from vegetable oils and animal fats.Biodiesel has several advantages, including biodegradability, non-toxicity, and high flash point.However, the higher density, viscosity and low energy content of biodiesel, when contrasted with that of diesel, can cause incomplete combustion, poor atomization and increase specific fuel consumption, according to the present study researchers have explored the use of alcohol additives (ethanol, methanol, butanol and pentanol) in biodiesel-diesel blends.It has been found that oxygen-rich compounds help the atomization of biofuels.It reduces viscosity and density, improves combustion efficiency, and contributes to the reduction of pollutants such as NOx, CO, and HC.Other alcohols higher than the alcohol concentration (butanol and pentanol, for example) have interest as they have excellent properties.Studies on the effects of alcohol additives on brake thermal efficiency have indicated that using alcohol additives in biodiesel blends significantly improved the thermal efficiency of brakes, decreased brake specific fuel consumption, and increased emission profiles.However, the addition of alcohols can increase the variability of combustion due to their volatility and ignition characteristics.In this paper, a study will be performed to analyse biodiesel production methods, properties, types of alcohol additives, and their effects on biodiesel fuel characteristics.