Studies on Effect of Injection Timing of Graphene Nanoparticles Blended Simarouba Biodiesel Blend on CI Engine

Graphene is a monolayer carbon atoms discovered in the recent past which has inspired researchers in a wide range of applications. It has a surface area as high as 2630 m2/g and thermal conductivity value of 3000 W/mK-1 at room temperature. It is chemically the most reactive form of carbon with one carbon atom exposed to reaction from each side. Stable dispersion of graphene was achieved using sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant. Graphene nanofuel was prepared by dispersing of graphene in simarouba methyl ester blend with diesel. The dispersion was characterized using the ultra violet visible spectrometry. The performance, combustion and emission characteristics were studied on a single cylinder, water cooled, direct injection, four stroke computerized diesel engine test rig. The characteristics were studied for three different dosing levels of graphene nanoparticle and three different fuel injection timings. It resulted in improved brake thermal efficiency, reduced unburnt hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emission. The addition of graphene nanoparticles and advancing the injection timing has resulted in a significant reduction in the combustion duration and a marginal increase in the peak cylinder pressure at all operational loads.