Co-Pyrolysis Behavior, Engine Performance Characteristics, and Thermodynamics of Liquid Fuels From Mahua Seeds and Waste Thermocol: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract In the present study, the co-pyrolysis of mahua seeds (MS) and waste thermocol (WTC) (1:1) blends was performed at 450 – 600 oC. The obtained co-pyrolysis oil (CPO) was characterized for physicochemical properties and its suitability as an alternative fuel. The performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of six different CPO diesel (CPOD) blends (B10, B20, B30, B40, B50, and B60) were also assessed at various engine loads. The experimental results indicated a maximum bio-oil yield of 99.6% for waste thermocol pyrolytic oil (WTCPO) and 74.2% for CPO at 525 oC. The physicochemical characterization specified that CPO has a specific gravity, kinematic viscosity, and calorific value of 0.91 mL g–1, 1.94 cSt, and 40.6 MJ kg–1, respectively with a carbon chain length of C7 – C24. The brake thermal efficiency (30.9 to 27.1%) and NO emission decreased with an increase in CPO percentage in the blends. The maximum heat release rate of CPOD blends increased with an increase in the percentage of CPO in diesel. The estimated mean value of activation energy (Ea), pre-exponential factors, enthalpy (ΔH), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for MS, WTC, and MS:WTC (1:1) blend were 135.1, 186.3, and 171.4 kJ mol–1; 18.1, 25.6, and 24.4 min–1; 130.6, 180.5, and 165.6 kJ mol–1; and 188.5, 301.1, and 206.3 kJ mol–1, respectively. The reaction function for the thermal degradation of MS and WTC was expressed as f(x) = (1– x)2.9, and f(x) = (1 – x)0.93 (0.017+ x 0.35) using multivariate nonlinear regression. The present research provides comprehensive data in understanding the engine performance characteristics, thermal behavior of biomass, and waste plastics that coexist in municipal solid waste.