Energy and Exergy Analysis of Graphene–Ferric Oxide Nanoparticle-enhanced Diesel–Waste Plastic Oil–Ethanol Blends: Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance Assessment in a CI Engine
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 2 (June 2026) pp. 273-286
Abstract
The present experimental investigation focuses on deriving waste plastic oil (WPO) and its usage as a fuel in a CI engine, along with ethanol and graphene–ferric oxide (Gr–Fe) nanoparticles to control exhaust emissions and improve the engine performance. A batch-type pyrolysis reactor was developed to produce waste plastic oil from heterogeneous waste plastics such as HDPE, PVC, PPE, and LDPE. WPO exhibited a higher density and viscosity, along with a lower flash point. These properties were improved by the addition of ethanol, an oxygenate, at concentrations of up to 10%. Gr–Fe nanofluids were prepared using the ultrasonication technique in the presence of sorbitan monooleate as a surfactant. Diesel was blended with WPO at a 20% blend ratio. Experiments were conducted using D80WPO20, D80WPO20E10, D80WPO20E10Gr–Fe50, D80WPO20E10Gr–Fe75, and D80WPO20E10Gr–Fe100. The test fuel blends were prepared on a volumetric basis and evaluated in a Kirloskar TV1 CI engine to investigate their combustion behavior and emission characteristics. The studies revealed that the addition of Gr–Fe nanoparticles to the diesel–WPO–ethanol up to 50 ppm improved brake thermal efficiency by 5.21% at full load, with a marginal reduction in BSFC at low load. Notable reductions in UBHC and smoke emissions of up to 2.47% and 3.12%, respectively, were observed with the addition of Gr–Fe nanoparticles. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) increased by up to 3.21% due to the catalytic activity of Gr–Fe nanoparticles. Enhanced oxidation and a superior premixed combustion phase increased the peak in-cylinder pressure by 1.42% with a noticeable improvement in the rate of heat release. The findings of the present investigation demonstrated that Gr–Fe nanoparticle concentration contributed to achieving cleaner combustion with reduced exhaust emissions. The study also examined the regulatory and standardization requirements necessary for the potential commercialization of waste plastic oil–diesel blends in compression ignition engines.
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Reference
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