Oxidation and Combustion of Toluene and Paraffin Mixtures: Anti-Knocking Effects and Toxic Pollutant Formation

An experimental and theoretical work on the low temperature oxidation of n-heptane in a jet stirred reactor has been carried out at different inlet temperatures. The presence of the typical low temperature pathologies of hydrocarbons (slow combustion, periodic and dumped cool flames) have been observed experimentally and correctly reproduced by the model. The selectivities of the intermediate and final products are also measured and compared with the theoretical evaluations. The agreement is satisfactory for all the investigated species in the whole temperature range (550–800 K). The introduction of 40% (volume) in the fuel has allowed to investigate the antiknock effect of toluene on the autoignition of n-heptane. At the same inlet temperature the n-heptane conversion shows the same general behaviour, but it is about 10% lower when toluene is fed in the mixture.