Effect of synthesized lemongrass biodiesel on the performance and emission characteristics of a CI engine

[Display omitted] •LGO oil was used to convert it into the BD through transesterification reaction.•Characterization of BD in terms of FTIR, H NMR and GCMS was done and compared with FD.•Performance and emission study of seven BM (0–40 % BD in BM) was studies on DE.•BD performance was analyzed in term of BSFC, BTE, EGT and emission study.•Engine performance for 20 % BM shows best enhanced emission result. Present work covers the preparation of biodiesel (BD) from lemongrass oil through transesterification process followed by their characterization, performance, and emission study in term of blending mixture (BM) with fossil diesel (FD). Analytical study FTIR, H NMR and GC–MS confirms prepared BD properties is similar to FD. Seven BM composed of BD and FD named as, BM5, BM10, BM15, BM20, BM25, BM30 & BM40 contains 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 & 40 % (vol.) of BD respectively. Prepared BM has been tested in gas analyzer integrated 4-Stroke, single cylinder vertical cooled self- governed diesel engine and compared their result based on FD performance. Performance results indicates BSFC & EGT for BM20 increases by 48% & 4.08% and BTE decreases by 14.75 % in comparison with FD. Emission study reflects decrement in HC by 49.99 %, decrement in CO by 46.80 %, increment in CO2 by 3.23 % and increment in O2 by 28.57 % in exhaust gas for BM20. Overall emission results indicate their best result for BM containing 20 % BD and its addition in FD can play an important role as an alternative of fossil fuel.