Effect of Graphene Nano Material Added <i>Pongamia pinnata</i> Biodiesel Combustion on Durability of CI Engine Components and Lubricating Oil Performance

An alternative, lasting and renewable fuel for Compression Ignition (CI) engines is biodiesel. However, because of its lesser heating value compared to diesel, engines running on biodiesel, produce lower torque and have excessive Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC). Furthermore, the brake power and thermal efficiency of CI engines powered by biodiesel are decreased. Burning biodiesel increases emissions such as Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), but decreases emissions such as Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Total unburned Hydrocarbons (THC). Nanomaterial additives can be added to biodiesel to overcome these limitations. This study investigates the effects of adding graphene nanomaterial to Pongamia pinnata biodiesel on lubricating oil performance and the longevity of CI engine components. Major Findings: The findings show that the lubricating oil drained from engine running on Graphene Nano Material-Added Pongamia pinnata Biodiesel (GNMAPBD), has a greater concentration of wear components such as chromium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, lead and aluminum. Additionally, lubricating oil characteristics deteriorate more quickly in engines powered by GNMAPBD than in engines powered by diesel. While the lubricating oil‘s ash content is reduced, its density and moisture content also increases.