Search

The fast depletion of conventional fuel supplies has forced the world to find suitable substitutes to overcome the expected energy crisis. Fossil fuels also contribute to global warming because of their harmful emissions. Biofuels are sustainable and environment friendly. Biodiesel can be sourced from both edible and non-edible oils to replace fossil fuels. To avoid a shortage of food supply, it is preferred to produce biodiesel from non-edible oils. In this research, Litchi chinensis seed oil (LSO) is used as a feedstock to synthesize biodiesel employing transesterification using a microwave oven. The catalyst, potassium hydroxide (KOH), used in this research was extracted from potato waste. Sun-dried potato waste was converted into ash. The produced ash is then dissolved in distilled water, leading to a 34% yield of KOH. The transesterification achieves a 92.9% conversion rate under the conditions: 30% microwave power utilization, a catalyst loading of 15% (W/W), a stirring speed of 700 RPM, and a methanol concentration of 70% (V/V) with an 8-min reaction time. Response surface methodology (RSM), in comparison with artificial neural networks (ANNs), has been utilized for the optimization of biodiesel yield, giving efficient results with errors of 0.003% for RSM and 0.005% for ANN. Consequently, the study reports optimized biodiesel yields of 92.9% (experimental), 93.27% (RSM), and 92.40% (ANN). Physicochemical properties such as kinematic viscosity (4.4 mm2/s) at 40°C, density (875 kg/m3) at 15°C, cetane number (53.2), calorific value (38.8 MJ/kg), flash point (175°C), oxidative stability (6.1 h), and cold flow properties were determined with respect to the ASTM and EN standards. The findings reveal that biofuels primarily support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, with the prime focus on “affordable and clean energy” and “climate action,” respectively.

Integration of nanofluids with solar collectors to enhance collector's thermal performance stands out as one of the most effective techniques owning to nanofluids favorable thermo-physical properties. By improving the thermo-physical properties of heat transfer fluids, nanofluids enhance the efficiency of thermal systems by improving the thermal energy storage capacity. This experimental study serves as a novel comparison between water-based Al2O3 (Alumina) and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanofluids in such mass concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) at fixed mass flow rates of 0.012 kg/s and 0.024 kg/s to investigate the impact on the performance of Direct Absorption Parabolic Trough Collectors (DAPTC) under the arid climatic conditions of Pakistan. The peak thermal efficiencies were found to be 40%, 56% and 58% for distilled water (DW), Al2O3-water and CNTs-water nanofluids, respectively. Thermal efficiency of DAPTC was improved by 18% in comparison with the basefluid alone on account of increased surface area, thermal conductivity and overall heat transfer capabilities. The CNTs-water nanofluids were observed to be more thermal efficient Heat Transfer Fluids (HTFs) owing to the black color and comparatively lower specific heat capacity. These thermal efficient fluids are of great use in the thermal energy storage systems. In addition, the use of nanofluids for heating and cooling purposes in industries is preferable as operational and manufacturing costs can also be lowered by reducing the systems size.

Influence of foliar application of potassium nitrate and copper sulfate on the production and quality of Pear cv. Le Conte was carried out at Horticulture Research Farm and Postharvest Laboratory, The University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan, during the year 2018–19. The aim of the study was to get quality pear production with minimal disease incidence. The research was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study contained two factors, i.e., different concentrations of potassium nitrate (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) as Factor A, while different levels of copper sulfate (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%) as factor B and the treatments were applied in spring season at the fruit set stage. The application of 2% potassium nitrate to the pear plants resulted in heaviest fruit (188.30 g), maximum fruit volume (203.80 cm3), fruit yield tree−1 (60.13 kg) with minimum fruit drop (8.52%) and disease incidence (5.28%), while maximum fruit firmness (7.66 kg.cm−2), total soluble solids (12.40 ○Brix), fruit juice pH (5.38), ascorbic acid content (5.56 mg.100 g−1) while minimum Titratable acidity (0.41%) were noted in fruits of plants sprayed with 3% potassium nitrate solution. However, the maximum fruit weight (192.04 g), fruit yield tree−1 (59.06 kg), minimum fruit drop (6.75%), and disease incidences (3.54%) were recorded in pear plants applied with 0.6% foliar copper sulfate solution. However, maximum fruit firmness (7.53 kg.cm−2), total soluble solids (12.38 ○Brix), fruit juice pH (5.31), ascorbic acid content (5.22 mg.100 g−1) with minimum Titratable acidity (0.42%) were noted in the plants sprayed with 0.8% copper sulfate solution. This study will provide a basis for high yield and quality fruit production, which will affect the storability of pear and other important fruit crops. Further studies should be conducted to optimize the dose, timing, and method of application of these fungicides for other pome fruits.

This experimental study is focused on heat transfer performance and pressure drop characteristics of ZnO/DIW-based nanofluids (NFs) in horizontal mini tubes of different (1.0–2.0 mm) diameters. Different mass concentrations (0.012–0.048 wt %) of nanoparticles (NPs) were tested with varying fluid flow rates (12–24 ml/min) of NFs. The thermal conductivity (TC) and viscosity (VC) of stable NFs were tested at 20–60 ᵒC, at a fixed temperature (40 °C), and concentration of NPs (0.048 wt%) the maximum rise was 18.27% and 20.31%, respectively. The local and average heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) and the pressure gradient were noticed to be directly proportional to volume flow rate of NFs and the mass concentration of NPs. However, an inverse trend was noticed with the test section's diameter. At 0.048 wt % of NPs and 24.0 ml/min flow rate of NFs, the maximum rise in local and average HTCs and pressure gradient was 17.11–11.61% and 13.05–9.79%, and 29.19–12.25%, respectively, in a tube's diameter of 1.0–2.0 mm. The friction factor increased with NP's loading while the same reduced with the fluid flow rate. The corresponding maximum change in the friction factor was 28.85–12.72% for the tubes with 1.0–2.0 mm diameters, respectively, at a 12.0 ml/min flow rate of NFs. The comparison of experimental findings for the HTCs, pressure gradients and friction factors with the standard Shah and Darcy's correlations showed that the observations are in good agreement with the predicted ones.

A major problem faced by Phase Change Materials (PCM) based latent heat thermal energy storage systems is the slow thermal response. In this study, the feasibility of nano phase change materials composites is investigated experimentally by using various types of nanoparticles in PCM, to improve thermal response by increasing the thermal conductivity. Heat transfer enhancement of PCM composites (RT26 and coconut oil) is achieved by acquiring better thermophysical properties through seeding nanoparticles in PCM. RT26 and coconut oil are beneficial due to the absence of corrosion to metallic containers. A thermal response investigation is conducted with a flat slab type latent heat thermal energy storage unit. It was observed that the increase in thermal conductivity of PCM by seeding nanoparticles is useful for the improvement of heat transfer. Carbon nanotubes have shown better performance as compared to Al2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. It was further analyzed that at a 1 wt percent concentration of nanoparticles, the maximum heat transfer enhancement in RT26 caused by Fe3O4, Al2O3 and carbon nanotubes nanocomposites is up to 20.01, 36.68 and 64.21% respectively. The maximum heat transfer enhancement in coconut oil caused by Fe3O4, Al2O3 and carbon nanotubes nanocomposites is up to 8.83, 14.84 and 33.38% respectively. Therefore, it is revealed that RT26 has more potential for heat transfer enhancement as compared to coconut oil. This is due to the percentage improvement in the thermophysical response of RT26 as compared to coconut oil. The economic and environmental analysis was conducted to compare the performance of latent heat thermal energy storage unit with and without the application of nanoparticles in PCM, to estimate the most viable candidate among various nano composites. The economic analysis presented the lowest annual energy running cost and Net Present Value(NPV) for nanocomposite of carbon nanotubes in RT26 is Rs.-4381 and RS.-36375 respectively. Whereas the maximum annual energy cost and NPV for pure RT26 are Rs.-12240 and Rs. -75548 respectively. The NPV for Fe3O4 and Al2O3 is Rs.-62207 and Rs.-53062 respectively. The cost and NPV were Rs.-6646 and Rs.-55226 in the case of carbon nanotubes in coconut oil. It shows that the trend is the same in the case of Fe3O4 and Al2O3 nanoparticles in both RT26 and coconut oil, unlike of carbon nanotubes. The environmental analysis shows that the maximum and minimum payments of carbon dioxide by carbon nanotubes and Fe3O4 nano composites respectively in RT26, are Rs.7000 and Rs.2176. While the corresponding values are Rs.2975 and Rs.798 in the case of coconut oil. Hence, carbon nanotubes in RT26 have the highest economic and environmental viability. Accordingly, the enhancement in heat transfer using these nanoparticles will be helpful in air conditioning applications like animal houses.

Researchers in developed countries argue that banks should be free to decide about their sustainability initiatives without the interference from regulators. However, researchers in developing countries tend to think differently. This study aimed to focus on this argument by examining the linkage between sustainability and financial performance (SFP) aided through regulatory policy guidelines. In doing so, a comparative study was conducted between 2012 and 2018 to compare the pre- and post-status of SFP due to implementation of policy measures. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores were calculated and related with financial performance (return on assets) through regression analysis. The sample data includes 30 private commercial banks (PCBs) in Bangladesh. The analysis of the data shows that during these years, the overall sustainability performance, i.e., environmental, social and governance scores of the banks increased by 33 percent. However, the transformation of this performance into better financial performance could not been established even when age and size were taken into account. The current turbulent state of the banking sector due to growing non-performing loan has been identified as the single most influential factor for this neutral result. Research findings suggest that policy guideline initiatives do have a positive impact on bank sustainability. However, exogenous factors, such as political interference, may appease, deviate and prolong its impact on financial performance. This work will enhance the understanding of academics and policy-makers about the feasibility and impact of the policy-led sustainability model in the banking sector, particularly in developing countries.

This research work focuses on investigating the lubricity and analyzing the engine characteristics of diesel–biodiesel blends with fuel additives (titanium dioxide (TiO2) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC)) and their effect on the tribological properties of a mineral lubricant. A blend of palm–sesame oil was used to produce biodiesel using ultrasound-assisted transesterification. B30 (30% biodiesel + 70% diesel) fuel was selected as the base fuel. The additives used in the current study to prepare ternary fuel blends were TiO2 and DMC. B30 + TiO2 showed a significant reduction of 6.72% in the coefficient of friction (COF) compared to B30. B10 (Malaysian commercial diesel) exhibited very poor lubricity and COF among all tested fuels. Both ternary fuel blends showed a promising reduction in wear rate. All contaminated lubricant samples showed an increment in COF due to the dilution of combustible fuels. Lub + B10 (lubricant + B10) showed the highest increment of 42.29% in COF among all contaminated lubricant samples. B30 + TiO2 showed the maximum reduction (6.76%) in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC). B30 + DMC showed the maximum increment (8.01%) in brake thermal efficiency (BTE). B30 + DMC exhibited a considerable decline of 32.09% and 25.4% in CO and HC emissions, respectively. The B30 + TiO2 fuel blend showed better lubricity and a significant improvement in engine characteristics.

Modern manufacturing industries prefer laser drilling processes owing to the adequate controlled drilling in comparison with existing alternatives. The presented experimental study mainly accounts defocusing impact along with other technical parameters and optimization of Nd:YAG millisecond pulsed laser drilling; and finally their influence on the entrance and exit holes profile. The key technical parameters such as pulse frequency, pulse width and assisting gas pressure with respect to different defocused focal plane are explored experimentally for the percussion laser drilling of high grade steel 18CrNi8. Experiment results revealed that increase in defocusing distance has caused an increment in hole entrance diameter; however, with different defocusing distance, the entrance diameter increasing rate keep changing. Different trends of increasing and decreasing diameter at entrance and exit are recorded and investigated with respect to work-piece defocusing positions. The defocusing variation of laser beam has been investigated with the hole profile, changing from straight hole to tapered blind hole. Which leads to conclusive and optimized results for obtaining optimal hole profile (at entrance and exit). The optimum parametric combinations for attaining lower heat treatment effects are also discussed for superior hole quality.

To investigate the granule reaction of two-micron aluminum powders with water at low temperatures, differential scanning calorimetry was used to analyze the initial exothermic temperature. Additionally, adiabatic accelerated calorimetry was employed to study the exothermic reaction under adiabatic conditions. The hydrogen production and particle size variation were investigated in order to gain insights into the Al-water reaction in a reactor with no induction time. Through focused beam reflectance measurement analysis, it was observed that during the reaction process of Al-water, particle sizes initially increased and then decreased. Specifically, the particle size of 3 μm aluminum powder experienced a 189% increase after the reaction while 25 μm aluminum powder decreased by 29%. Ultimately, both types of particles reached similar final sizes around 13.89 μm The process of Al-water reaction was explained and hydrogen production was analyzed, and the kinetic model was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast depletion of conventional fuel supplies has forced the world to find suitable substitutes to overcome the expected energy crisis. Fossil fuels also contribute to global warming because of their harmful emissions. Biofuels are sustainable and environment friendly. Biodiesel can be sourced from both edible and non-edible oils to replace fossil fuels. To avoid a shortage of food supply, it is preferred to produce biodiesel from non-edible oils. In this research, Litchi chinensis seed oil (LSO) is used as a feedstock to synthesize biodiesel employing transesterification using a microwave oven. The catalyst, potassium hydroxide (KOH), used in this research was extracted from potato waste. Sundried potato waste was converted into ash. The produced ash is then dissolved in distilled water, leading to a 34% yield of KOH. The transesterification achieves a 92.9% conversion rate under the conditions: 30% microwave power utilization, a catalyst loading of 15% (W/W), a stirring speed of 700 RPM, and a methanol concentration of 70% (V/V) with an 8-min reaction time. Response surface methodology (RSM), in comparison with artificial neural networks (ANNs), has been utilized for the optimization of biodiesel yield, giving efficient results with errors of 0.003% for RSM and 0.005% for ANN. Consequently, the study reports optimized biodiesel yields of 92.9% (experimental), 93.27% (RSM), and 92.40% (ANN). Physicochemical properties such as kinematic viscosity (4.4 mm2/s) at 40°C, density (875kg/m3) at 15°C, cetane number (53.2), calorific value (38.8 MJ/kg), flash point (175°C), oxidative stability (6.1 h), and cold flow properties were determined with respect to the ASTM and EN standards. The findings reveal that biofuels primarily support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, with the prime focus on "affordable and clean energy" and "climate action," respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is one of the renewable energy sources, non-fossil. The chosen feedstock should ideally be low-cost. Using waste cooking oil can reduce synthetic biodiesel's price by up to 70%. However, biodiesel has the advantage of lower heating value and higher density, causing increased fuel consumption and NOx emissions. Biodiesel has physicochemical properties such as a more significant cetane number than fossil diesel, a high flash point, and the absence of sulfur. This study identifies the potential availability of WCO as biodiesel and summarizes recent studies on the physiochemical properties of WCO biodiesel. This study also aims to clarify the use of WCO biodiesel on engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics (H.C., CO, CO2, NOx) when this biodiesel is used. Engine type and biodiesel ratio were identified for all articles. This study also discusses the effect of adding nanoparticles on engine performance and exhaust emissions in WCO biodiesel. This study also clarifies material compatibility (corrosion, wear, and friction). The corrosion rate in various types of materials and corrosion testing methods. Finally, this paper presents the opportunity for WCO biodiesel to be very feasible to reduce fossil diesel use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing population in urban areas generates large volumes of hospital waste which intensifies the problem of hospital waste management in developing countries. This study is designed to evaluate environmental impacts associated with hospital waste management scenarios using life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Two scenarios were designed to describe the current practices: (scenario A) and an integrated approach (scenario B), which includes segregation and recycling of hospital waste. Data were collected from five public hospitals located in the district of Sheikhupura, Pakistan. The collected hospital waste was quantified and categorized on a daily basis for five consecutive months (October 2020 to February 2021). The functional unit was defined as one tonne of hospital waste. System boundaries for two scenarios include segregation, transportation, treatment and disposal of hospital waste. After defining functional unit and system boundaries, LCA was conducted using the IGES-GHG simulator. The scenarios were evaluated using common parameter, i.e., greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Scenario A and scenario B resulted in net GHG emissions of 1078.40 kg CO2-eq. per tonne of waste and 989.31 kg CO2-eq. per tonne of waste, respectively. Applying an integrated approach, it would be possible to mitigate GHG emissions of 37,756.44 kg CO2-eq. per tonne of waste annually and to recover some materials such as glass, paper, plastic and metals. Therefore, implementing an integrated approach for the management of hospital waste will progress the entire system towards sustainability. The findings of this study can be used for future research and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum (Al) has been widely used in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) and solid propellants. Its typical core-shell structure (the inside active Al core and the external alumina (Al2O3) shell) determines its oxidation process, which is mainly influenced by oxidant diffusion, Al2O3 crystal transformation and melt-dispersion of the inside active Al. Consequently, the properties of Al can be controlled by changing these factors. Metastable intermixed composites (MICs), flake Al and nano Al can improve the properties of Al by increasing the diffusion efficiency of the oxidant. Fluorine, Titanium carbide (TiC), and alloy can crack the Al2O3 shell to improve the properties of Al. Furthermore, those materials with good thermal conductivity can increase the heat transferred to the internal active Al, which can also improve the reactivity of Al. Now, the integration of different modification methods is employed to further improve the properties of Al. With the ever-increasing demands on the performance of MEMS, PBXs and solid propellants, Al-based composite materials with high stability during storage and transportation, and high reactivity for usage will become a new research focus in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a corrigendum for an article titled "Microwave-assisted transesterification of Litchi chinensis seed oil using extracted KOH from potato waste for sustainable development." The corrigendum addresses errors in the funding statement and acknowledgments of the original article. The authors apologize for the errors and state that they do not affect the scientific conclusions of the article. The corrigendum also includes a note from the publisher stating that the claims expressed in the article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their affiliated organizations or the publisher. The article was written by authors from various institutions in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. [Extracted from the article]

Influence of foliar application of potassium nitrate and copper sulfate on the production and quality of Pear cv. Le Conte was carried out at Horticulture Research Farm and Postharvest Laboratory, The University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan, during the year 2018–19. The aim of the study was to get quality pear production with minimal disease incidence. The research was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study contained two factors, i.e., different concentrations of potassium nitrate (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) as Factor A, while different levels of copper sulfate (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%) as factor B and the treatments were applied in spring season at the fruit set stage. The application of 2% potassium nitrate to the pear plants resulted in heaviest fruit (188.30 g), maximum fruit volume (203.80 cm3), fruit yield tree−1 (60.13 kg) with minimum fruit drop (8.52%) and disease incidence (5.28%), while maximum fruit firmness (7.66 kg.cm−2), total soluble solids (12.40 ○Brix), fruit juice pH (5.38), ascorbic acid content (5.56 mg.100 g−1) while minimum Titratable acidity (0.41%) were noted in fruits of plants sprayed with 3% potassium nitrate solution. However, the maximum fruit weight (192.04 g), fruit yield tree−1 (59.06 kg), minimum fruit drop (6.75%), and disease incidences (3.54%) were recorded in pear plants applied with 0.6% foliar copper sulfate solution. However, maximum fruit firmness (7.53 kg.cm−2), total soluble solids (12.38 ○Brix), fruit juice pH (5.31), ascorbic acid content (5.22 mg.100 g−1) with minimum Titratable acidity (0.42%) were noted in the plants sprayed with 0.8% copper sulfate solution. This study will provide a basis for high yield and quality fruit production, which will affect the storability of pear and other important fruit crops. Further studies should be conducted to optimize the dose, timing, and method of application of these fungicides for other pome fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microchannels with microencapsulated phase change slurry (mPCM) have gained attention due to their compactness and large surface area to volume of fluid ratio. The phase change process also helps in sustaining high heat exchange over small temperature changes. This paper is focused on numerical investigation of heat transfer characteristics of mPCM slurry flow during its freezing phase in microchannels under convective boundary conditions. The phase change process was incorporated in numerical modeling by considering the rectangular profile of an effective specific heat capacity model. Numerical simulations were peformed for mPCM slurry with 5 to 15% mass concentration, and the results were compared with those obtained with pure water. The effects of mass concentration of mPCM slurry on pressure drop, local Nusselt number, and local temperatures along the length of the channel were investigated. It was noticed that the increase in mass concentration enhanced the local Nusselt number than pure water. At the outlet of microchannel for flow velocity of 0.55 m/s, the bulk and surface temperatures were found to be 3.12 K and 1.2 K higher than those recorded with pure water. With a mass concentration in 5–15% range the pressure drop for mPCM slurry was found to be 5.1–36% higher than the pure water case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a condition monitoring technique for the identification and correction of faults in reciprocating machines by recording engine vibration signals arising from different processes. The proposed data acquisition set-up allows the analyst to record vibration signals from different locations, analyse them and make the appropriate decisions regarding predictive maintenance. Data are recorded before and after carrying out major overhauling to assess the effectiveness of the proposed condition monitoring technique. For a complete health assessment, vibration signals and ultrasonic signature with respect to the crank angle are recorded and interpreted. All of the data are obtained at constant engine speed to depict the mechanical condition of the components and indicate any poor performance. A scuffed main bearing and a broken piston ring are diagnosed successfully. Suspected components are replaced based upon the findings of the initial analysis and data are recorded again to verify the results. Post-evaluation data confirm a normal mechanical condition and satisfactory performance except for some initial friction. The main objective of this experimentation is the identification of major tasks related to maintenance prior to major overhauling. This work shows that the use of nonintrusive condition monitoring techniques can reduce the frequency of failures by identifying developing faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condensate retention has been found an important parameter for heat transfer on horizontal enhanced condensing tubes. In this research, five pin-fin (varying in circumferential pin spacing) and three integral-fin horizontal tubes are investigated for condensate retention angle (which is measured from the top of tooth to the fully flooded flank) using water-ethanol mixture. An attempt was made to find the optimum concentration of ethanol in water for maximum retention angle. Concentration of ethanol was varied in between 0.5% to 1.5% by weight. Data revealed the importance of integral-fin tube over pin-fin tube as significant increase in retention angle was observed for integral-fin tube ((having same longitudinal spacing, tooth thickness, tooth height, inner and outer diameter) while retention angle for pin-fin tubes remain unchanged. Optimum ethanol concentration was observed to be 0.75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation and ignition of aluminum nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 150 nm are investigated with the help of simultaneous thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectra analysis (EDS) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy at heating rates of 2–30 K min−1. A unique early ignition reaction is observed when the heating rate is ≥8 K min−1 and there is a co-existence of various polymorphs of alumina (γ-, δ-, ϑ-, and α-Al2O3) below the melting temperature of aluminum nanoparticles. It is proposed that such an early ignition reaction is due to a combined effect of solid phase transformation of the alumina shell and the early melting of the aluminum core, and is responsible for the co-existence of various polymorphs of alumina at the low temperature. The ignition temperature increases approximately with the increase of the heating rate. Regardless of the heating rate, the oxidation scenario can be described by a three-stage reaction with the main reaction occurring before the melting of aluminum nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work focuses on investigating the lubricity and analyzing the engine characteristics of diesel–biodiesel blends with fuel additives (titanium dioxide (TiO2) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC)) and their effect on the tribological properties of a mineral lubricant. A blend of palm–sesame oil was used to produce biodiesel using ultrasound-assisted transesterification. B30 (30% biodiesel + 70% diesel) fuel was selected as the base fuel. The additives used in the current study to prepare ternary fuel blends were TiO2 and DMC. B30 + TiO2 showed a significant reduction of 6.72% in the coefficient of friction (COF) compared to B30. B10 (Malaysian commercial diesel) exhibited very poor lubricity and COF among all tested fuels. Both ternary fuel blends showed a promising reduction in wear rate. All contaminated lubricant samples showed an increment in COF due to the dilution of combustible fuels. Lub + B10 (lubricant + B10) showed the highest increment of 42.29% in COF among all contaminated lubricant samples. B30 + TiO2 showed the maximum reduction (6.76%) in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC). B30 + DMC showed the maximum increment (8.01%) in brake thermal efficiency (BTE). B30 + DMC exhibited a considerable decline of 32.09% and 25.4% in CO and HC emissions, respectively. The B30 + TiO2 fuel blend showed better lubricity and a significant improvement in engine characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]