Abstract
This paper describes the fuel properties, combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions of methyl esters of saturated fatty acid with 6 to 10 carbons in the molecule. The blend fuels (50/50 mass%) of three saturated fatty acid methyl esters (methyl caproate, methyl caprylate, methyl caprate) and methyl laurate as a base fuel are tested using a DI diesel engine. From experimental results, the blend fuel of saturated fatty acid methyl ester with lower carbon number has lower kinematic viscosity, pour point and smoke emission though longer ignition delay, as well as long chain saturated fatty acid methyl ester with lower carbon number.
