The effect of dibutyl maleate addition to diesel fuel on engine performance and emissions

In this study, dibutyl maleate (DBM) with an oxygen content of 28% was added to diesel fuel at the rate of 10% (DBM10) and 20% (DBM20). The effects of these mixtures on engine performance, combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions were investigated in a single-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled diesel engine. It was observed that the specific fuel consumption increased by 5.08% and 8.13%, respectively, with DBM10 and DBM20 fuels compared to diesel at 15.10 Nm engine load. With the addition of dibutyl maleate into diesel fuel, the oxygen content of the fuel increases, the combustion reactions are accelerated and the burning time is shortened. Maximum CO and NOx emissions were obtained with DBM10 and DBM20 fuels at 20.60 Nm engine load, respectively. Maximum NOx emission was measured with D80DBM20 fuel at 20.60 Nm engine load. With DBM10 and DBM20 fuels, HC emissions decreased by 14.03% and 15.78% at 20.60 Nm engine load compared to diesel. It was determined that the soot emissions decreased by 46.75% and 59.74%, respectively, with DBM10 and DBM20 fuels at 20.60 Nm engine load compared to diesel.