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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Evaluation of CI Engine Performance and Emissions Using WB10CNT90: A CNT-Reinforced Biodiesel Blend Approach and its Marketing Prospects for sustainable fuel Commercialization

  1. Rakesh Dubey Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik
  2. Jonathan Sudhir Joseph Department of Management Studies, Thakur college of Engineering and technology, Mumbai
  3. Rachana Dashore Department of Management Studies, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik
  4. Arbind Kumar Amar Department of Mechanical Engineering, BP Mandal College of Engineering
  5. R. Jyothu Naik Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik
  6. Nandkishor M. Sawai Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik
  7. Shubham H. Marode Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik
  8. R. Harisudhan Department of Mechanical Engineering, PAAVAI College Of Engineering, Chennai
  9. Ch. Shekar Reddy Department of Mechanical Engineering, Narasaraopeta Engineering College (Autonomous), Yallamanda

Abstract

The experimental and analytical evaluation of the WB10CNT90 blend—a combination of 10% waste biodiesel derived from Madhuca longifolia, 90% conventional diesel, and 100 ppm Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)—demonstrates its potential as an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to conventional diesel. The Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) of the engine increased by approximately 15%, indicating enhanced energy conversion efficiency during combustion. Simultaneously, the Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) showed a reduction of nearly 12%, signifying better fuel economy and more complete fuel utilization. In terms of emissions, WB10CNT90 achieved notable reductions: carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) decreased by 25% and 20%, respectively, while carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions dropped by 17%, reflecting cleaner and more complete combustion. Although nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions exhibited a marginal rise of 8–10%, this increase can be effectively controlled through established exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) techniques. The enhanced performance of the blend is primarily attributed to the superior thermal conductivity and catalytic behavior of CNTs, which improve fuel atomization and promote faster oxidation reactions. Economically, WB10CNT90 offers promising commercialization prospects, with a moderate production cost of $1.10/L and a projected retail price of $1.35/L. This cost structure positions it as a competitive “green diesel” in markets focused on renewable energy and emission reduction. Overall, WB10CNT90 represents a technically and economically viable pathway toward sustainable and efficient future transportation fuels.

Keywords

References (29)

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