Auto-ignition Characteristics of Biofuel Blends for SI Engines

Furans such as 2-Methylfuran (2-MF) and 2,5-Dimethylfuran (DMF) can be produced from biomass sugars and offer superior properties for use in SI engines. This paper describes the study of the auto-ignition characteristics of furans and other biofuels using a rapid compression machine. Blending with PRF90 and RG, the auto-ignition suppression of 2-MF was almost equal to that of ethanol and larger than toluene, although the auto-ignition delay of pure 2-MF was shorter than that of ethanol and toluene. This was because 2-MF suppresses the cool flame reaction. Knock evaluation using a single-cylinder research engine also indicated that the addition of 2-MF improved the anti-knock properties as well as ethanol.