This paper presents the evolution of the scenario regarding the use of alcohol in Brazil, South America's largest producer and main market for automobiles. It describes the different steps involved since implementation of the national program-PROALCOOL, by Brazilian Government in 1975.
The use of pure hydrated1 ethanol and anhydrous2 ethanol mixed with gasoline is highlighted, which also goes for recent studies on mixtures and emulsions of ethanol and diesel fuel. The considerations are based on product quality analysis and comparative data in terms of performance and pollutant emissions obtained through engine tests.
Considering the Brazilian fleet of passenger cars, it was possible to increase the ethanol content in gasoline, from 22% to 24% by volume.
Additionally, the studies of diesel-ethanol mixtures show that the benefits in terms of pollutant reduction, are associated with the drop of power instead of ethanol addition.