Biofuels & Bioenergy

Biography

Biography: Arij Ben Amara

Abstract

Among key challenges for alternative aviation fuels, the oxidation and thermal stability as well as polymers compatibility represent key concerns currently. Oxidation and thermal stability, or the lack of it, can cause jet fuels’ properties modification, filtersclogging and deposit formation in fuel systems, while polymer compatibility may be responsible of fuel leakage through polymer seals. In this experimental study, Petro Oxy and JFTOT tests were used to charachterize the oxidation and thermal stability of alternative jet fuels, respectively, while sorption, liquid permeability, ageing and mechanical tests were employed to test their compatibility with FVMQ, FKM and NBR polymers. Results showed a poor oxidation stability and polymer compatibility of Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene-Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (SPK-HEFA). In order to improve these properties, the infl uence of several cyclic molecules naturally present in conventional jet fuels was investigated, namely, xylene, tetralin and decalin. Sorption tests at ambiant showed a linear incrase of polymers weight with the cyclic molecules content, however, the slope was dependent on both polymer material and cyclic molecule. Th e addition of xylene increased almost linearly the oxidation stability of HEFA, while tetralin and decalin acted as oxidation inhibitors at low blending rate only. At low content, these molecules allowed to achieve good thermal stability as well. Accordingly, they represent good candidates to improve polymers compatibility as well as oxidation and thermal stability of SPK-HEFA. Th is work allowed to improve the knowledge on the infl uence of cyclic molecules on polymers compatibility and oxidation and thermal stability. It paves the way for the design of optimal formulations of upcoming alternative aviation fuels.