Ethanol as a Petroleum Extender and Additive in Automotive Engines

The history of ethanol-petrol blend application is summariserd. Past and future changes in the design of automotive engines are outlined. The properties of ethanol and petrol and their blends are compared. Early and recent reports on the performance of ethanol blends are summarised. The oil crisis coupled with the fact that likely contenders to replace present engines will operate efficiently on alcohol confirms that there is a future role for ethanol. There is considerable evidence from recent experience in Brazil and the U.S.A. to confirm that ethanol blends up to 20 percent can be used without problems in spark ignition engines. Up to 15 percent, ethanol-diesel oil blends also appear to give no problems provided a blend stabilising agent is added. A close liaison with oil companies is proposed in order to optimise blend formullations. Credits for certain advantages of ethanol such as its antiknock value would already appear to justify the use of blends of 10 percent ethanol produced from enriched mo1ass;es. The situation appears of sufficient economic interest to justify a more detailed study under local conditions.