Performance Enhancement of Ternary Blending of Biodiesel, Yang-Na (Dipterocarpus alatus) Oil, and Plastic Waste Pyrolysis Oil for Agricultural Diesel Engines

Wuttichai Roschat, Sittichai Watthanalao, Bunterm Maneerat, Phiriyakorn Chaona, Aekkaphon Thammayod, Supakorn Arthan, Tappagorn Leelatam, Noppharat Khotsuno, Sunti Phewphong, Keyoon Duanguppama, Somporn Katekaew, Krittiyanee Namwongsa, Boonyawan Yoosuk, Pathompong Janetaisong, Vinich Promarak

Abstract

The growing dependence on fossil fuels and the increasing burden of plastic waste underscore the urgency of developing sustainable energy solutions. This study investigates ternary liquid biofuel blends composed of biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil, distilled Yang-Na (Dipterocarpus alatus) oil, and plastic waste pyrolysis oil for use in agricultural diesel engines. The fuels were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and physicochemical tests according to ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. Various binary and ternary ratios were prepared and compared with commercial B10 diesel. Engine performance and emissions were evaluated using a single-cylinder Kubota RT100 diesel engine at different speeds, along with field tests on walking tractors in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand. Biodiesel contributed oxygenated esters that improved combustion but exhibited high viscosity. Distilled Yang-Na oil showed suitable viscosity and energy content but exceeded density limits, whereas pyrolysis oil provided high calorific value but suffered from poor stability and acidity issues. Optimal blends at 60:20:20 and 70:15:15 (Biodiesel:Yang-Na:Pyrolysis) achieved balanced properties, met international standards, and provided heating values close to commercial diesel. Engine tests demonstrated enhanced torque, reduced fuel consumption, and lower CO and HC emissions. These results demonstrate that ternary blending of local and waste-derived oils can yield efficient, eco-friendly biofuels that support rural energy security and sustainable agriculture.

Keywords

References

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