Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: As a renewable fuel for diesel engines, biodiesel plays a significant role in improving the lubricating performance of low-sulfur diesel. The decline in lubricity of low-sulfur diesel can lead to increased friction and exacerbated wear on the surfaces of diesel engine friction pairs, whereas the addition of biodiesel can effectively mitigate such tribological issues. In this study, tribological performance tests of biodiesel-fueled engines were conducted, combined with molecular simulation methods. Using Materials Studio software, the adsorption behavior and dynamic processes of three typical fuel components: C7H16, C11H22O2, and C19H36O2, on the α-Fe (110) crystal surface were simulated. This systematically revealed the mechanism by which biodiesel improves friction and wear performance. The results indicate that biodiesel significantly enhances the lubricating properties of low-sulfur diesel. The carbonyl groups in biodiesel molecules exhibit high reactivity, demonstrating larger absolute values of adsorption energy and cohesive energy compared to alkane components, which indicates stronger surface adsorption capacity. This facilitates the formation of a stable and continuous lubricating film on metal surfaces, thereby providing anti-wear and friction-reducing effects, ultimately improving the wear resistance of key components in diesel engines.
Source: Lubricants
Authors: Lilin Li, Yazhou Mao, Dan Chen, Jingjing Chang, Xianfeng Qin, Xiang Qu, Zhenghan Wei, Runyi Ma
Institution: Henan University of Engineering
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4414651950