Diesel Fuel Gets A Boost From Tung Oil

Tung tree fruit—about 3 inches in diameter—seeds, and oil.

ARS scientists in the Bio-Oils Research Unit in Peoria, IL, successfully used tung oil as the starting material for a new additive to improve the performance of diesel fuel. Tung oil, a natural oil perhaps best known to woodworkers, has a molecular structure that allows it to be modified in specific reactions with certain chemicals. The resulting formulation can be added to diesel fuel to increase its engine-lubricating ability.

Poor engine lubrication is a common problem that results from the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel now required in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Low amounts of the new additive were found to be as effective as 20-40 times the amount of traditional additive, biodiesel. It is also less costly than a biodiesel additive, both in terms of actual cost and amount required. In addition, tung oil is a renewable resource, and since it’s not an edible oil, there is no concern about food-fuel competition.

Diesel Fuel Gets A Boost From Tung Oil

ARS scientists successfully used tung oil as the starting material for a new additive to improve the performance of diesel fuel.

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Diesel Fuel Gets A Boost From Tung Oil

Diesel Fuel Gets A Boost From Tung Oil

Explore Other Discoveries

Better Grass For Cattle And Cars

Better Forecasting To Help Agriculture

Adjusting Cattle Grazing Schedules

Livestock Fight Against Wildfires

Keep Carbon In Soil, Out Of Atmosphere

Manuresheds Combat Nutrient Pollution

Cover Crops Shift The Carbon Balance

Topic

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