Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum Alloy 6063 in Prosopis juliflora Biodiesel–Diesel–Ethanol Blends
Saravana Kannan Thangavelu, Piraiarasi Chelladorai, Elammaran JayamaniABSTRACT
The increasing use of biodiesel–diesel–ethanol (BDE) blends requires a clear understanding of their compatibility with fuel‐system materials. This study evaluates the corrosion behavior of aluminum alloy EN AW‐6063 in Prosopis juliflora methyl ester (PJME)‐based BDE blends. B10D80E10 and B20D70E10 were compared with diesel (B0) through 560 h static immersion tests at room temperature and 60°C. Corrosion rates increased from 0.0515 mil per year (mpy) (B0) to 0.0912 mpy at room temperature and from 0.0902 to 0.2652 mpy at 60°C. Surface analyses revealed pitting corrosion, oxide‐film degradation, and a 6%–9% reduction in microhardness. Fuel degradation was confirmed by increased TAN (1.06 mg KOH g −1 ), viscosity variation, color darkening, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) evidence of oxidation products, highlighting material compatibility challenges for PJME‐based fuels.