Polymer-Driven Fuel Conditioning: A Novel Approach to Improving the Stability and Environmental Performance of Marine Fuels

The precise regulation of water content plays a pivotal role in determining several the critical properties of marine fuels, including combustion stability, corrosion resistance, and the mitigation of pollutant emissions. The present study introduces an innovative, additive-free technique for moisture extraction from Marine Gasoil (MGO) utilizing the hydrophilic polymer polyacrylamide, which leverages its polar amino groups to attract water molecules. This process facilitates the physical extraction of moisture without modifying the fuel’s composition, in contrast to traditional drying techniques or chemical additions. Experimental findings indicate a 34.6% decrease in water content in MGO (from 29.3 mg/kg to 19.15 mg/kg) and a 36.5% reduction in MGO–biodiesel blends (from 32.04 mg/kg to 20.34 mg/kg), accomplished within one hour of treatment. The scientific significance of this work lies in its discovery of polyacrylamide’s ability to retain moisture within a nonpolar fuel matrix—a phenomenon not previously investigated in maritime fuel applications. The findings highlight the potential for further research into polymer–fuel interactions and non-chemical strategies for fuel enhancement. Economically, the proposed technology reduces dependence on costly chemical additives and energy-intensive drying processes, while environmentally, it improves combustion efficiency and lowers emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and smoke. Overall, the results introduce a novel, sustainable, and practical process for improving maritime fuel quality, while supporting compliance with increasingly stringent regional and global environmental regulations.