Atomic to macroscale analysis of combustion behavior in biofuel droplets with superhydrophobic silica dimethyl silylate
This study presents a comprehensive atomic-to-macroscale analysis of crude jatropha oil (CJO) modified with SSDmS, serving as a multifunctional catalyst. The research aims to elucidate the influence of SSDmS on the molecular structure, thermal response, and combustion behavior of droplets in the abs...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Results in Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025026052 |
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| Summary: | This study presents a comprehensive atomic-to-macroscale analysis of crude jatropha oil (CJO) modified with SSDmS, serving as a multifunctional catalyst. The research aims to elucidate the influence of SSDmS on the molecular structure, thermal response, and combustion behavior of droplets in the absence of chemical pretreatment. Experimental techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, SEM imaging, thermal surface analysis, and simulated heat transfer profiling, were utilized to characterize the physicochemical changes in the modified fuel. Furthermore, suspended single droplet combustion experiments were undertaken to visualize the evolution of the flame. The results indicate that SSDmS alters the molecular packing of CJO, enhancing polar interactions and surface stability. FTIR spectra showed a 17 % increase in C = O transmittance, while SEM imaging revealed denser microstructure with reduced voids. SSDmS improved the fuel’s caloric value by 20.3 % (from 9825 to 10,615 cal/g) and lowered viscosity by 3.0 %. Heat transfer simulations demonstrated 1.7 × faster temperature rise and a > 30 % improvement in thermal uniformity. Flame imaging confirmed -18 ms earlier ignition, a 35 % reduction in flame asymmetry, and visibly cleaner, brighter flames in SSDmS-modified droplets compared to unmodified CJO. This multiscale approach reveals SSDmS’s dual role as a thermal conductor and catalytic interface, enabling enhanced combustion through improved energy propagation and molecular activation. The findings provide a novel framework for optimizing renewable biofuels using surface-engineered nanomaterials that bridge quantum interactions with macroscopic flame behavior. |
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| ISSN: | 2590-1230 |