Surfactant-free alternative fuel: Phase behavior and diffusion properties

Phase behavior of the three components, 1-propanol, water and oil is studied at 10, 25, and 40 °C. Biodiesel, limonene and diesel are used as oil phases. NMR self-diffusion measurements are performed to investigate the microstructure of the one-phase regions. Tie lines in the two-phase regions are determined both by proton NMR analysis and compared with theoretical calculations. NMR self-diffusion results for the different components in these systems do not show any sign of confinement or obstructions, demonstrating these mixtures to be structureless solutions. A good agreement between the experimental and calculated phase behavior is obtained. The determined tie lines in the two-phase regions show higher affinity of 1-propanol to water than to oil.

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