Title : Turpentine as a biofuel
Abstract:
Due to the demand for the replacement of petroleum-based products, especially in transport, there is an increasing need for alternative fuels. In this context, natural terpenes from plants have been proposed as a renewable source of biofuels. Turpentine is a fluid obtained from living conifers, mainly pine. Turpentine oil consists of terpene hydrocarbons (α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, 3-carene and camphene) and other compounds such as anethole. The proportions of turpentine’s ingredients may vary depending on the natural source from which it is obtained and the production method.
Currently, turpentine is mainly used in the chemical, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and varnish industries. The main driver of the turpentine market growth is the increasing use of household and personal care products where turpentine is used in the production of fragrances and flavors. The second consumption volume of turpentine is fragrance applications.
Nowadays, various kinds of turpentine, such as turpentine oil, sulfate turpentine oil, gum turpentine oil (taken from the sap of pine) and pine oil have been considered as biofuel components. Research has been successfully conducted on terpenes from pine oleoresins as special fuels for jet and rocket engines as well as conventional fuel engines. The addition of natural terpenes without any special processing makes fuel more environmentally friendly. The addition of turpentine to diesel-based engines reduced smoke and toxic gases emissions. The experimental data show that even 100% pine oil can be directly used in diesel engines.
Audience Take Away:
- Chemical composition and properties of turpentine.
- Production and use of various types of turpentine.
- Advantages and disadvantages of using turpentine as biofuel components.
