Aging effects on gasoline–ethanol blend properties and composition

Blends of 75% gasoline and 25% ethanol (E25) are unique fuels used in Brazil. The natural E25 oxidation process due to aging under atmospheric conditions has been investigated. To evaluate aging effects on the properties of commercially available fuel blends, two samples of regular E25, one sample of regular E25 with additives, and one sample of high octane E25 were tested. The samples were analyzed as new and in aging periods of 30 and 180 days. Fuel density, distillation temperatures T10, T50 and T90, motor and research octane number, as well as concentrations of ethanol, oxygen, olefins, total aromatics, benzene and saturates were evaluated. It was observed an increase of fuel density, distillation temperatures, aromatics and oxygen concentration, and a decrease of the concentration of olefins with aging. The results indicate that the use of aged fuel in automotive engines may increase fuel consumption, carbon deposits formation, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.