Abstract: Bio-butanol is a renewable, environmentally friendly liquid substance. The octane number, vapor pressure and distillation characteristics of butanol were studied by blending butanol with conventional gasoline. Using the immersion test of different metals and rubbers in gasoline with different content of butanol, the effect of butanol gasoline on metal corrosion and compatibility with rubbers were evaluated. The results showed that butanol can blend well with gasoline. No metal corrosion was observed except wrought iron, thus it can be used in fuel systems without wrought iron. In addition, butanol gasoline has slight influence on fluororubber, neoprene, butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber, so these rubbers are more suitable for butanol gasoline engine, storage/transportation system as well as fueling facilities. The studies showed that butanol is feasible as a gasoline blending component if the mass fraction of butanol is 10% ~ 16%.

Key words: butanol, gasoline, blending performance, material compatibility