Study of Mineral-Based oils with Jatropha curcas L. as Bio-Additive Through Thermal and Kinematic Viscosity Properties

We report on characterization of bio-additive from Jatropha curcas L. oil (JBA) in mineral-based oil (MBO) at different viscosities with 10 % and 20 % ratios blends of JBA. Measurements of kinematic viscosity and mass density were carried out to know the physical changes of MBOs when JBA is added. Also, a thermal characterization of the samples was performed. The thermal conductivity, k, and specific heat, c, were obtained using their relationship with thermal effusivity, e, and thermal diffusivity, α, which were determined by the front and back photopyroelectric techniques, respectively. We show that a correlation between kinematic viscosity and thermal conductivity exists with the percentage of JBA in the blend. The obtained thermal conductivities values were compared with those retrieved using the hot-wire technique showing a good agreement. JBA demonstrated special features to improve the thermal properties and to be able to be used as a viscosity modifier of the MBOs, which could be reflected in a better performance in machinery that uses engine oil.