The role of citronella oil as a bio-additive on laminar burning characteristics of iso-octane

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Published: Apr 23, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64960/easr.2026.263364
Keywords:
Bio-additives Citronella Fuel Laminar burning velocity

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I Made Suarta
Mechanical Engineering Department, Politeknik Negeri Bali, Badung, Indonesia
Adi Winarta
Mechanical Engineering Department, Politeknik Negeri Bali, Badung, Indonesia
Agus Dwi Korawan
Mechanical Engineering, Ronggolawe College of Technology, Cepu, Indonesia
I. DG Ary Subagia
Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia

Abstract

This study focuses on the laminar burning velocity of iso-octane fuel with a citronella additive. The main objective is to investigate and synthesize the composition of citronella bio-additive in iso-octane fuel and how it affects laminar burning velocity. Laminar burning velocity testing was conducted in a cylindrical explosion combustion chamber at constant pressure with six compositions (IC-0 to IC-5) at equivalence ratios (ɸ) of 0.8 to 1.2. Functional groups were examined by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) and volatility was characterized by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The IC-2 mixture increased the Research Octane Number from 92.0 to 92.3; whereas, the smallest decrease in laminar burning velocity was 4.8% compared to IC-0. TGA testing showed an increase in volatility in IC-2. Overall, the addition of low dose citronella bio-additives, especially IC-2, provided a moderate octane increase with a minimal reduction in laminar burning velocity and improved evaporation, supporting its potential as a practical bio-additive for spark ignition fuels.

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How to Cite
Suarta, I. M., Winarta, A., Korawan, A. D., & Subagia, I. D. A. (2026). The role of citronella oil as a bio-additive on laminar burning characteristics of iso-octane. Engineering and Applied Science Research, 53(2), 179–188. https://doi.org/10.64960/easr.2026.263364
Issue
Vol. 53 No. 2 (2026): In Progress
Section
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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