Assessing the influence of TiO ₂ and SiC nanoparticles in diesel fuel m

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), silicon carbide (SiC), and hybrid TiO ₂ –SiC nanoparticles blended with diesel fuel on the combustion, performance, exergy, and emission characteristics of a compression ignition (CI) diesel engine. Nanoparticles were dispersed in diesel at concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 ppm using ultrasonication with SPAN 80 surfactant to ensure stable fuel blends. Experiments were conducted on a single‐cylinder, four‐stroke, direct injection diesel engine under varying load conditions. The results demonstrated that nanoparticle addition significantly enhanced combustion characteristics, increasing peak in‐cylinder pressure by 3.8%, heat release rate (HRR) by 16.8%, and pressure rise rate (PRR) by 19% compared with neat diesel. The D + Ti75 blend exhibited the highest combustion pressure and HRR because of its superior catalytic activity and shorter ignition delay. Engine performance also improved, with brake torque increasing by 7.9%, brake power by 6.56%, brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 6.6%, and maximum exergy efficiency reaching 40%, while the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of the D+Si75 blend decreased by 9.1%. Emission analysis revealed substantial reductions in carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO _x ), and sulfur dioxide (SO ₂ ) by 22.88%, 25.6%, and 27.89%, respectively, compared with conventional diesel. Overall, TiO ₂ nanoparticles provided superior combustion and performance enhancement, whereas SiC nanoparticles delivered better fuel economy and exergy efficiency. The hybrid TiO ₂ –SiC blend combined these advantages, demonstrating synergistic improvements in engine efficiency and emission reduction, highlighting its potential as an effective nano‐additive for cleaner and more sustainable diesel engine operation.