A comparative analysis of the emissions and performance of diesel fuel combustion lubricated by jatropha bio-lubricant with MWCNT additive and jojoba bio-lubricant with TiO2 additive

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Discover Sustainability

Abstract

The utilization of animal- and plant-based oils as lubricants dates back centuries. However, the advent of petroleum and advancements in refining technologies led to their widespread replacement by mineral oil-based lubricants. While mineral oils offer superior lubrication properties, they are derived from finite resources and pose significant environmental concerns. The ecological impact of mineral oil-based lubricants, coupled with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, has driven interest in sustainable alternatives derived from renewable sources. Vegetable oils, being biodegradable, non-toxic, and renewable, have emerged as a preferred choice for environmentally sensitive and total-loss lubrication applications, including hydraulic fluids and greases. This study examines the technical feasibility of vegetable oil-based lubricants, with a particular focus on epoxidized jatropha (EJA) and epoxidized jojoba (EJO) oils. Furthermore, it explores the effects of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles as performance-enhancing additives. A comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted using a four-stroke diesel engine operating on diesel fuel to evaluate the impact of these bio-lubricants on engine performance and emissions characteristics. For the EJO + 2 wt% TiO2 bio-lubricant, a friction power of 1.25 kW was observed, which represents a 10.71% decrease compared to EJA + 2 wt% MWCNT. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was highest for the EJO bio-lubricant with TiO2 nanoparticle addition, showing a 1.30% increase compared to EJA + 2 wt% MWCNT. Emission analysis revealed that CO emissions were 4.04% lower with the EJO + 2 wt% TiO2 bio-lubricant, while CO2 emissions increased by 4.37%, and HC emissions decreased by 8.77% compared to EJA + 2 wt% MWCNT. Incorporating MWCNT and TiO2 nanoparticle additives into bio-lubricants offers a comprehensive strategy for enhancing diesel engine performance. These additives improve fuel efficiency and significantly reduce the environmental impact of emissions. This innovative approach tackles critical challenges in engine lubrication, promoting more sustainable and efficient practices in both automotive and industrial sectors.

DOI

10.1007/s43621-025-01265-y

Publication Date

12-1-2025

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