Two Iowa State University researchers, Najeeb Kuzhiyil and Song-Charng Kong, working with the Department of Defense, have designed a biodiesel engine that can increase the power output of its biodiesel fuel and also work effectively at recycling waste…. and it’s all by dissolving polystyrene packing peanuts in biodiesel.

So, how is this done?  The polystyrene in the packing peanuts is dissolved into a biodiesel engine at a concentration of 2 to 20 percent.  It causes the biodiesel engine to increase its viscosity, thus increasing the engine’s power.

However, scientists have realized that if the fluid gets too sticky or thick, it could lead to the overheating of the fuel injection pump. Also, as the polystyrene mixes with biodiesel fuel, carbon monoxide, soot and nitrous oxide emissions are released. This, of course, can increase your carbon footprint.

Despite the emission drawbacks, scientists are hopeful that they can use the usually non-recycled peanuts as a new form of fuel conversion and reduce the amount of waste that they create around the world.

Source: ENN