Evaluation of the Properties and Compositions of Blended Bio-jet Fuels Derived from Fast Pyrolysis Bio-oil made from Wood According to Aging Test

• Published in: The Korean journal of chemical engineering Vol. 41; no. 13; pp. 3631 - 3646
• Main Authors: Jeon, Hwayeon, Youn, Jumin, Park, Jo Yong, Yim, Eui-Soon, Ha, Jeong-Myeong, Park, Young-Kwon, Lee, Jae Woo, Kim, Jae-Kon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.12.2024; Springer Nature B.V; 한국화학공학회
• Subjects: Aviation; Biotechnology; Boiling points; Catalysis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composition; Emissions; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Jet engine fuels; Kinematics; Materials Science; Original Article; Physical properties; Polymer blends; Pyrolysis; Storage stability; 화학공학; Fast pyrolysis bio-oil; Bio-jet fuel; Sustainable aviation fuel; Aging index; Jet A-1
• ISSN: 0256-1115; 1975-7220
• DOI: 10.1007/s11814-024-00309-9

The aviation industry has set ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, with the International Civil Aviation Organization targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Bio-jet fuel is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this target, and the demand for bio-jet fuel is projected to rapidly increase. Bio-oil from fast pyrolysis of lignin, such as waste wood, is considered a promising alternative for production of bio-jet fuel through processes such as hydrodeoxygenation. In this study, the physical properties and compositions of bio-jet fuel produced from wood-derived pyrolysis bio-oil blended with petroleum-based jet fuel as well as their changes during 16 weeks storage were investigated. Consistently, 0%, 10%, 50%, and 100% blended bio-jet fuels were prepared. After 16 weeks of aging, the total acid number of the all-blended bio-jet fuel showed a sharp increase from 12 weeks, reaching over 0.1 mg KOH/g. Additionally, kinematic viscosity showed a steady increase over 16 weeks whereas oxidative stability decreased by approximately 20% at 16 weeks for the 100% bio-jet fuel alone. The final boiling point increased by up to 20% in higher blends of bio-jet fuel and the average molecular weight increased. Bio-jet fuel has a high olefin content, which can further increase during storage, leading to a decrease in the combustion characteristics. This study suggests that using up to 10% the bio-jet fuel in aircraft is safe considering storage stability, but further research is required to confirm this finding.