Environmental footprint of diesel engine corrosion under biodiesel-dimethyl carbonate-diesel samples by the engine oil monitoring procedure

Abstract

This research is the linking of engine corrosion - monitored through oil analysis - to environmental impacts using the LCA technique, which provides new insights into the indirect consequences of biodiesel fuels and oxygenate additives. Biodiesel was produced through the transesterification process of waste cooking oil. Four levels of DMC (0, 2, 4, and 6 %) were mixed with biodiesel fuel, and after mixing with biodiesel, fuels containing B2 (2 % biodiesel and 98 % diesel) were prepared in different treatments. The engine was a single-cylinder, naturally aspirated, direct injection diesel engine with a constant speed (1500 rpm). LCA was conducted through ISO 14,040–14,041 standards using the IMPACT2002+ method for life cycle inventory analysis. The results of oil analysis showed that the addition of biodiesel and DMC had a significant effect on the content of abrasive metals in engine oil. The addition of 2 % DMC in biodiesel reduced aluminum and iron compared to the control fuel sample. On the other hand, higher percentages of DMC and biodiesel increased the content of copper and chromium, resulting in increased corrosion. According to the environmental assessment results, adding biodiesel (2 %) and DMC (2–4 %) reduced the average environmental endpoint impact of engine corrosion by about 10–13 %. However, adding about 6 % DMC increased the environmental impact by about 16 %. This trend indicates the need to monitor and optimize biodiesel fuel additives. The impact on resource quality has the largest share. This is while the least impact is related to climate change. Future studies could focus on advanced and intelligent monitoring of corrosion byproducts and adapting engine design to achieve mechanical durability and environmental sustainability.