Automotive Experiences
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2025)

The Role of Heterogeneous Catalyst Transesterification in Single Droplet Combustion of Soybean Oil Based Biodiesel

Haidar Hanief (Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia)
Arya Radya Guntur Pamungkas (Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia)
Mitsuhisa Ichiyanagi (Sophia University, Japan)
Willyanto Anggono (Petra Christian University, Indonesia)
Cepi Yazirin (Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia)
Muhammad Akhlis Rizza (State Polytechnic of Malang, Indonesia)
Ena Marlina (Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Dec 2025

Abstract

The consumption of petroleum fuel in Indonesia is increasing, makes the globe climate change a lot. Thus, requiring a renewable energy alternative source such as biodiesel. This study analyzed the single droplet combustion characteristics of soybean oil-based biodiesel produced via transesterification using two heterogeneous catalysts: papaya leaf (PL) and papaya leaf combined with animal bone (PLAB). For comparison, petroleum diesel fuel also tested. Results show that catalyst origin significantly influences combustion behavior. PL exhibited the longest droplet lifetime 7,135 mm/s2 and the highest peak temperature (546 °C), while PLAB showed shorter droplet lifetime 5,001 s/mm2and a lower peak temperature (467 °C), closer to petroleum diesel (4,081 s/mm2 and 254 °C), respectively). In terms of ignition delay, petroleum diesel ignited fastest (3,528 s/mm2), followed by PLAB (4,837 s/mm2) and PL (0,612 s/mm2). The combustion behavior of PLAB is correlated with its higher FAME purity (98%) and methyl linoleate content (43.69%), as reflected by the reduced droplet lifetime. This suggests that the catalyst primarily improves biodiesel quality via enhanced transesterification efficiency, which in turn affects combustion characteristics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

AutomotiveExperiences

Publisher

Subject

Aerospace Engineering Automotive Engineering Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering

Description

Automotive experiences invite researchers to contribute ideas on the main scope of Emerging automotive technology and environmental issues; Efficiency (fuel, thermal and mechanical); Vehicle safety and driving comfort; Automotive industry and supporting materials; Vehicle maintenance and technical ...