Experimental investigation on CI engine fuelled with microalgae biodiesel and MgO nanoparticle

¹ Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya University, Surampalem, 533437, India.
² Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya University, Surampalem, 533437, India.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 16 April 2026

Abstract

This study experimentally examines the influence of magnesium oxidenano-particulatesonthe performance&emission behaviour of a CI enginefuelled with microalgae biodiesel. MgO nanoparticles in proportions of 5, 10, and 15 ppm were dispersed intoalgal-diesel blend. The investigation was carried out at constant speed undervarious load conditionsto evaluate the BTE, BSFCand exhaust emissions. The outcomes show that the addition of magnesium oxideenhances the combustion through effective catalyticoxidative reactions, improving air-fuel mixing and accelerating heat release. TheBTE increased by 1.02%, while BSFC decrease by 2.81% compared with the diesel.Emission analysis showeda decreasein CO, HC, andsmoke, whereasCO₂showed smallrise due to improved oxidation of the fuel. A marginal increase in NOx emissionswas observed at increased nanoparticlefractions, due to high peak combustion temperatures.The developed ANN model exhibited strong predictive capability with high R² values and proved effective in predicting engine performance and emission attributes. Overall, the findingsindicate that microalgae biodiesel atan optimized concentration of MgO nanoparticles can improveCI engine efficiency, while simultaneously reducing the emissions.