TRIGLYCERIDE–METHANOL MICROEMULSIONS

Abstract

Even-numbered 1-alkanols from butanol to tetradecanol were evaluated for solubilizing and microemulsifying methanol in triolein and for their effectiveness on water tolerances of the hybrid fuels. Photon correlation spectroscopy determinations indicated molecular dispersions formed rather than nonaqueous microemulsions, but the addition of water to the solubilized systems did produce certain quarternary compositions that exhibited microemulsion properties. 1-Octanol imparted optimal, whereas 1-butanol and 1-tetradecanol imparted minimal, water tolerance for the hybrid fuels. Among four isomeric octanols studied, the 1- and 4-octanols were superior to the 2- and 3-octanols for water tolerance. This superiority is attributed to stronger hydrogen bonding and greater association in the 1-and 4-isomers compared to the 2- and 3-isomers.