n-hexane influence on canola oil adhesion and volumetric properties

Due to the growing interest in the application of canola oil (RO) as a fuel for diesel engines, studies of the adhesion and volumetric properties of mixture of RO with n-hexane (Hex) were carried out. They were based on the measurements of the surface tension, density, viscosity, and contact angle of the RO + Hex mixtures in the range of n-hexane mole fraction from 0 to unity on the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and the steel surfaces. The properties of the mixed n-hexane and canola oil layer on the steel surface were also determined by measurements of the contact angle for such model liquids as water, formamide and diiodomethane on both balls and a flat steel surface covered with this layer. Moreover, lubricating properties, based on the value of the scuffing load, for RO and its mixtures with Hex in relation to the diesel fuel (DF) were determined. Taking into account the contact angles values, the surface tension components and parameters of the RO + Hex mixtures as well as the steel covered by the layer of this mixture were determined and next used for the adhesion work of n-hexane and canola oil to PTFE and steel considerations. As follows this mixture at the proper composition has good lubrication properties. However, the analysis of the obtained values of the surface tension, density and viscosity of the mixture of canola oil and n-hexane showed that with the appropriate selection of its composition, properties similar to those of diesel fuel can be obtained.