Thermally Decomposed Cottonseed Oil as a Diesel Engine Fuel

Abstract

Abstract Cottonseed oil was thermally decomposed at 450°C using 1 % Na2 3 as a catalyst. The pyrolyzed oil was analyzed for its content of hydrocarbons and found to be made mainly ot alkanes (70%) in addition to alkenes and aromatics with carbon number ranging from 8 to 20. Fuel properties of the cracked oil were characterized and compared with those of no. 2 diesel fuel. The pyrolyzate had lower viscosity, flashpoint, and pour point than diesel fuel. The calorific values of both oils were the same, but the cetane number of the pyrolytic oil was lower.