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Soybean oil was thermally decomposed and distilled in air or in nitrogen sparge with standard ASTM distillation apparatus. GC-MS analysis showed that approximately 75% of the products were made up of alkanes, alkenes, aromatics and carboxylic acids with carbon numbers ranging from 4 to more than 20. Fuel properties of the pyrolyzed materials were characterized and compared with those of the parent oil. The pyrolyzates had lower viscosities and higher cetane numbers than the parent vegetable oil. Thermally decomposed soybean oil shows promise as alternative fuel for the directinjection diesel engine.

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A nonionic sunflower oil-aqueous ethanol microemulsion was formulated, characterized and evaluated as a fuel in a direct injection, turbocbarged, intercooled, 4-cylinder Allis-Chalmers diesel engine during a 200 hr EMA cycle laboratory screening endurance test. Differences in engine operation between a baseline Phillips 2D reference fuel and the experimental fuel were observed. The major problem experienced while operating with the microemulsion was an incomplete combustion process at low-load engine operation. Significant lubricating oil dilution was observed initially, followed by an abnormal increase in the viscosity of the lubricative oil. Heavier carbon residue on the piston lands, in the piston ring grooves and in the intake ports was noted. In addition, premature injection-nozzle deterioration (sticking of the needle) was experienced. At present, the sunflower oil-aqueous ethanol microemulsion studied cannot be recommended for long-term use in a directinjection diesel engine, but further modifications in formulation may produce acceptable sunflower oil microemulsions as alternative diesel fuels.

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