Fuel microemulsions based on babassu oil (Orbignya martiniana)

Abstract

In this paper we describe the preparation and physical-chemical characterization of microemulsion-based fuels, consisting of babassu oil, alcohol, water, commercial spirits and surfactants. Initially, we constructed the phase diagrams to obtain the conditions of maximum solubilization of the components. Next, we prepare the microemulsions from babassu oil, 40% ethyl alcohol, commercial spirits and isobutanol. We determined the kinematic viscosity, electrical conductivity and flash point of the microemulsions in accordance with the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials. We observe in the diagrams the formation of two regions: a monophasic where the formulations exist as a visible phase in the form of thermodynamically stable microemulsions; and a biphasic one where the formulations are unstable and have two visible phases of imiscibility. The microemulsion systems had viscosities that varied between 6 and 4 mm2 / s. The flash point of the samples analyzed presented a value of 33 ºC, a value considered low when compared to petroleum diesel, 70 ºC. The conductivity for all systems was less than 1 μS / cm indicating the A / O classification for the microemulsions. The microemulsion systems presented a marked decrease in viscosity when compared to refined babassu oil, reaching values ​​close to the viscosity of the diesel oil.