Synergistic combustion of droplets of ethanol, diesel and biodiesel mixtures

► Burning of droplets of diesel, biodiesel and ethanol were experimentally studied. ► Observed phenomena can be explained based on theory of droplet combustion. ► Addition of biodiesel to diesel substantially reduces soot formation. ► Castor biodiesel is more effective than methyl ester biodiesel in soot reduction. ► Addition of ethanol to diesel or biodiesel facilitates gasification.