A review on the effect of bioethanol dilution on the properties and performance of automotive lubricants in gasoline engines

Abstract

Owing to the growing concern over the depletion of fossil fuels and the rising rate of greenhouse gas emissions which will lead to global warming, many researchers are now dedicated to producing biofuels in order to solve the above-mentioned issues.

Effect of gasoline–bioethanol blends on the properties and lubrication characteristics of commercial engine oil

“…An increase in acid number indicates that lubricant is contaminated with bioethanol and when acid number increase, it makes the metal surface more susceptible to corrosion. 4,50 It can be seen that synthetic oil samples diluted with 6% of bioethanol-gasoline fuels show higher acid number, compared to fresh SO. This, in turn, may provoke undesirable corrosive wear on engine components.…”

“…55 However, the synthetic oil contains base uid and oil additive concentrations which possibly react with bioethanol under the presence of oxygen, causing oil degradation and oxidation, thus increasing friction. 4 The more fuel dilutes into the lubricant, the more interactive effects on lubricant additive occurs aer a particular operating time; as a result, no lubricating lm may generate. E85-SO yielded lower friction compared to SO, but aer 15 min it yielded the highest friction value due to the higher amount of bioethanol.…”

“…Interestingly, in Brazil, ex fuel vehicles (FFV) have been manufactured to use with any bioethanol-gasoline blends. 4 This can enhance energy independence whilst combating fundamental issues such as fossil depletion, oil price escalation, carbon emission, and particulate mass concentrations in the vehicle exhaust. 5,6 According to the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers, more than 85% of ex-fuel vehicles are manufactured in Brazil.…”

“…Firstly, bioethanol is miscible with water which can cause a corrosive effect on engine components such as fuel injector and electric fuel pump. 4,11 Moreover, bioethanol attracts more water from the environment because it is hygroscopic in nature. 12 Secondly, vehicle startup problem can happen in cold weather when the engine is fuelled with pure ethanol which is hard to vaporize.…”

Main Trends of Biofuels Production in Ukraine

“…However, in works [11,12], it is reported that usage of alcohols in larger ratios with fuel mixtures can lead to a negative impact on the durability of the engine and the frictional properties of motor oils. Therefore, this issue requires further integrated research.…”