Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X
THE EFFECT OF THE COMPOSITION OF PALM SUCCUS BIOETHANOL AS A
BLENDING AGENT IN PERTALITE (RON .
FUEL ON THE PERFORMANCE
OF A 4-STROKE GASOLINE ENGINE
Al Kautsar1*.
Maulana Muhammad1.
Faisal Muhtadin1.
Mahyuddin1.
Lindawati1 Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Faculty of Engineering.
Universitas Abulyatama.
Jl.
Blang Bintang Lama Km.
Lampoh Keude.
Kuta Baro District.
Aceh Besar Regency.
Aceh 24415.
Indonesia.
*Email: alkautsarm951@gmail.
ABSTRACT
The research titled AuThe Effect of Palm Sap Bioethanol Composition as an Additive in Pertalite RON 90 Fuel on the Performance of a 4-Stroke Gasoline EngineAy was motivated by the increasing demand for energy and the high dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental pollution.
Therefore, the utilization of renewable energy has become one of the solutions that can be developed, one of which is through the use of bioethanol derived from sugar palm sap as an alternative fuel.
Sugar palm sap bioethanol has a sufficiently high alcohol content, making it a potential additive in gasoline to improve combustion quality.
This study aims to analyze the effect of palm sap bioethanol blend compositions in Pertalite RON 90 fuel on the exhaust gas emission characteristics of a four-stroke gasoline engine.
The research method employed was an experimental approach, involving RON (Research Octane Numbe.
testing and exhaust gas emission testing on a gasoline engine using various fuel blend variations.
The tests were conducted using a gas analyzer to measure exhaust emission parameters, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (COCC), oxygen (OCC), and the lambda value, which indicates the air-to-fuel ratio in the combustion process.
The results of the study indicate that adding palm sap bioethanol to Pertalite fuel tends to reduce CO and HC emissions, suggesting more complete combustion within the combustion chamber.
Additionally, the increase in COCC and OCC levels indicates improved oxidation during combustion as the percentage of bioethanol in the fuel mixture increases.
The lambda values obtained are within a range close to stoichiometric conditions, indicating a better balance of the air-to-fuel ratio during the combustion Based on these research results, it can be concluded that sugar palm sap bioethanol has the potential to be used as a more environmentally friendly fuel additive in gasoline engines without requiring significant engine modifications.
Keywords: palm sap bioethanol.
Pertalite RON 90, exhaust emissions, gasoline engines, alternative environmental pollution through exhaust
emissions such as carbon
INTRODUCTION
1 Background The rapid growth of the transportation sector in Indonesia has significantly increased the number of motor vehicles and consequently raised national fuel Fossil fuel-based gasoline, particularly Pertalite (RON .
, remains the dominant fuel used by the public due to its affordability and accessibility.
However, the continuous dependence on petroleum fuels has become a major concern because fossil fuel reserves are limited and their combustion contributes to monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon dioxide (COCC).
These emissions are known to negatively affect air quality and contribute to global warming.
Therefore, the development and utilization of renewable and environmentally friendly alternative fuels have become increasingly important in supporting sustainable energy One promising renewable fuel is bioethanol, which is produced through the Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X fermentation of biomass containing sugar, starch, or cellulose.
Bioethanol possesses several advantageous properties, including a high octane number, oxygen content, and compared to conventional gasoline.
The octane number of bioethanol ranges from approximately 108Ae110, enabling it to improve combustion quality and reduce knocking in spark ignition engines.
addition, the oxygen contained in bioethanol promotes more complete combustion, which potentially decreases harmful exhaust emissions and improves engine efficiency.
Indonesia has abundant resources that can be utilized for bioethanol production, one of which is sugar palm sap derived from the aren tree (Arenga pinnat.
Sugar palm sap contains high concentrations of fermentable sugars, typically ranging from 10Ae15% .
, making it an excellent raw material for fermentation and distillation processes.
Furthermore, aren trees grow naturally in tropical regions and do not directly compete with staple food crops, making them a sustainable feedstock for renewable fuel development.
The utilization of sugar palm sap as a bioethanol source not only supports energy diversification programs but also provides economic opportunities for rural communities through the development of local bioenergy industries.
In automotive applications, bioethanol can be blended with gasoline as an oxygenated fuel additive to improve fuel Several studies have reported that ethanol-gasoline blends can combustion efficiency, and reduce exhaust emissions from spark ignition engines.
The presence of oxygen molecules in ethanol assists the oxidation process during combustion, thereby lowering the formation of incomplete combustion products such as CO and HC.
However, excessive ethanol content may reduce the calorific value of the fuel mixture and affect engine performance due to differences in fuel properties such as volatility and airAefuel ratio requirements.
Therefore, determining the optimal blending ratio is essential to achieve improved combustion performance while maintaining engine stability.
Pertalite, a gasoline fuel with a Research Octane Number (RON) of 90, is widely used in Indonesia and is suitable for medium-compression gasoline engines.
Although several studies have investigated ethanol-blended fuels, research focusing specifically on sugar palm sap bioethanol as an additive for Pertalite fuel remains Moreover, the influence of sugar palm sap bioethanol on exhaust emission characteristics and fuel octane value in four-stroke gasoline engines requires further investigation.
Understanding these effects is important to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing locally produced bioethanol as a renewable fuel additive in practical automotive applications.
Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of sugar palm sap bioethanol blended with Pertalite (RON .
on the exhaust gas emission characteristics and octane value of a four-stroke gasoline Variations concentrations were prepared in several compositions, namely E5.
E10.
E15, and E20.
The emission parameters evaluated (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (COCC), and oxygen (OCC), while fuel quality was analyzed through Research Octane Number (RON) testing.
The results of this research are expected to provide scientific information regarding the potential of sugar palm sap bioethanol as an environmentally friendly fuel additive and contribute to the development of renewable energy utilization in Indonesia.
RESEARCH METHODS
Research methodology 1 Research Place This research was conducted at two different locations based on the type of Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X testing performed.
The Research Octane Number (RON) testing of the fuel samples was carried out at the Chemical Engineering Laboratory of Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe.
Meanwhile, the exhaust gas emission testing was conducted at the Automotive Workshop of Balai Pelatihan Vokasi dan Produktivitas (BPVP) Banda Aceh using a gas analyzer on a four-stroke gasoline engine The overall research activities, fermentation, distillation, fuel blending, and data analysis, were conducted from the approval date of the final project proposal until the completion of the study in 2026.
Each fuel sample was tested to determine its Research Octane Number (RON) and exhaust gas emission characteristics on a four-stroke gasoline engine using a gas The emission parameters observed included carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (COCC), and oxygen (OCC).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1 Results of the Fermentation and Distillation Process Bioethanol Nira Sugar palm Results of the Fermentation Process Fermentation process done use sap sugar palm as material standard with addition of baker's yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) which is more formerly destroyed before mixed to in sap sugar Yeast activation is carried out For ensure microorganisms is at in condition active so that capable convert sugar content in sap sugar palm become alcohol During the fermentation process taking place , happening formation carbon gas bubbles dioxide (COCC) and changes in the aroma of the liquid increasing fermentation resembles the aroma of alcohol .
This is show that reaction fermentation walk with good .
Besides that , the sweet taste of the sap sugar palm reduce in a way significant , which indicates that sugar has converted become ethanol .
Fermentation in progress for 7 days produce fluid fermentation with content enough alcohol For to be continued to stage distillation .
Success of the fermentation process This show that use of baker's yeast with treatment destruction and activation give influence positive to effectiveness of the fermentation process bioethanol from sap sugar palm.
Results of the Distillation Process Fluid distillation For separate ethanol from mixture fluid fermentation .
Distillation 2 Tools and Materials 1 Tools used Distillation apparatus, airtight pot, copper pipe (A inc.
, tubeless tire valve, gasket sealant, hot water hose, pipe clamps, beaker glass, bioethanol collection container, screwdriver, cetane-octane analyzer, gas analyzer, and Honda CB150R LED motorcycle engine.
2 Materials used The materials used in this research include sugar palm sap (Arenga pinnat.
, (Saccharomyces Pertalite (RON .
, and sugar palm sap bioethanol with fuel blend variations of E5.
E10.
E15, and E20.
3 Experimental Treatment Design 1 Independent Variables This study used an experimental method with different variations of sugar palm sap bioethanol blended with Pertalite (RON .
The experimental treatments consisted of five fuel compositions.
E0 : 100% Pertalite E5 : 5% bioethanol 95% Pertalite E10 : 10% bioethanol 90% Pertalite E15 : 15% bioethanol 85% Pertalite E20 : 20% bioethanol 80% Pertalite Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X process carried out in the range temperature 78Ae85 AC which is point boil During the heating process , steam ethanol formed streamed through copper pipes going to condenser and undergoes a condensation process become liquid .
Distillation results show that from 5 liters sap sugar palm can obtained bioethanol with volume ranging 415 liters.
Variation in the volume of bioethanol produced influenced by the initial sugar content sap sugar palm , efficiency fermentation , as well as stability temperature during the distillation Bioethanol obtained has a distinctive aroma alcohol and visually visible clear , which indicates that the distillation process ongoing with Good.
Research Octane Number ) Test Results .
E5 .
% bioethanol 95% Pertalite ) .
E20 .
% Bioethanol 80% Pertalit.
As for the mixture from petrol with a total of 200 ml ( one bottle ) namely 160 ml Pertalite pure and mixed 40 ml of bioethanol , then obtained level octane ) E0 ( Pertalit.
From the results of the RON .
ctane mete.
test , it can be seen that known that octane content of pertalite pure only 86.
The author purchased Pertalite at the Alue Awe Lhokseumawe gas station.
Table 3.
1 RON .
esearch octane numbe.
test results No.
Sample code Octane Number Figure 4.
3 Graph percentage mixture bioethanol with petrol Based on chart connection between Figure 4.
2 Test Samples (Ro.
of Pertalite and mixture Bioethanol As for the mixture from petrol with a total of 200 ml ( one bottle ) namely 190 ml Pertalite pure and mixed 10 ml of bioethanol , then obtained level octane .
E10 .
% bioethanol 90% Pertalit.
As for the mixture from petrol with a total of 200 ml ( one bottle ) namely 180 ml Pertalite pure and mixed 20 ml of bioethanol , then obtained level octane .
E15 .
% Bioethanol 85% Pertalit.
As for the mixture from petrol with a total of 200 ml ( one bottle ) namely 170 ml Pertalite pure and mixed 30 ml bioethanol , then obtained level 90.
7 octane percentage mixture bioethanol and numbers octane , visible that addition bioethanol to in material burn gas influential significant to improvement number octane .
In the E5 mixture , the number octane recorded of 87.
7, then increased on E10 mix to 89.
Increased This show that addition bioethanol in amount small until currently capable increase resilience material burn to knocking symptoms .
Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X Numerical value octane reach optimum conditions in a mixture of E15 with mark highest of 90.
This is caused by nature bioethanol which has number octane tall as well as content oxygen capable increase quality internal combustion room burn engine .
The E15 blend is rated as the most effective composition in increase number octane without lower characteristics base material burn.
However, in the E20 mixture, the figures octane experience A little decline to 89.
The decrease This can caused by incompatibility characteristics material burn to test machines , such as change mark heat , rate evaporation , or insufficient mixing homogeneous .
The lowest decrease occurs in the material E0 burn ( without mixture bioethanol ) with number octane 86.
6, which indicates that Pertalite pure own lowest anti - knock quality compared to mixture bioethanol In a way overall , graph show that addition bioethanol until limit certain capable increase number octane material burn , with The optimum composition is at E15.
The addition bioethanol that exceeds optimum composition is not always produce improvement number significant octane , so that election percentage mixture bioethanol become factor important in its implementation as material burn alternative.
Emission Test Results ( Gas Analyzer ) A) E5.
% Bioethanol and 95% Pertalit.
you can get it The results of Co .
arbon monoxide ) 3.
1% Hc ( Hydrocarbon ) 1,600 .
and Co2 ( carbon monoxid.
dioxide ) 12.
2% and O 2 ( oxygen ) 1.
B) E10 .
% Bioethanol and 90% Pertalite Figure 4.
5 Results of emission tests with E10 bioethanol mixture As for the mixture from Pertalite Total 500 ml with comparison of 450 ml pertalite pure and 50 ml Bioethanol then you can get it The results of Co .
arbon monoxide ) 2% Hc ( Hydrocarbon ) 900 .
and Co2 ( carbon monoxid.
2% dioxide ) 0% and O 2 ( oxygen ) 2.
C) E15 .
% Bioethanol and 85% Pertalite Figure 4.
6 Results of emission tests with E10 bioethanol mixture As for the mixture from Pertalite Total 500 ml with comparison of 425 ml pertalite pure and 50 ml Bioethanol then you can get it The results of Co .
arbon monoxide ) 5% Hc ( Hydrocarbon ) 700 .
and Co2 ( carbon monoxid.
5 % dioxide ) 8% and O 2 ( oxygen ) 3.
Figure 4.
emission test results with E5 ( .
mixture bioethanol and pertalite As for the mixture from Pertalite Total 500 ml with comparison of 475 ml pertalite pure and 25 ml Bioethanol then Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X D) E20 .
% Bioethanol and 80% Pertalite E20
1,600
Exhaust emission testing was conducted to determine the effect of sugar palm sap bioethanol blends on engine emission The analyzed parameters (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (COCC), and oxygen (OCC).
The results showed that increasing the bioethanol percentage reduced CO and HC emissions, indicating more complete combustion due to the oxygen content in bioethanol.
E5 and E10 blends were considered safe for standard engines with improved emissions, while E15 showed the optimal combustion and emission performance.
E20 produced the lowest emissions.
however, the mixture became leaner because of the higher oxygen content in bioethanol.
Meanwhile.
COCC and OCC emissions increased with Overall, the use of sugar palm sap bioethanol as a fuel additive showed positive effects in reducing harmful exhaust emissions.
Figure 4.
7 Results of emission tests with E15 bioethanol mixture As for the mixture from Pertalite Total 500 ml with comparison of 400 ml pertalite pure and 100 ml Bioethanol then you can get it The results of Co .
arbon monoxide ) 0.
9% Hc ( Hydrocarbon ) 550 .
and Co2 ( carbon monoxid.
9% dioxide ) 5% and O 2 ( oxygen ) 3.
E) E0 ( Pertalit.
Pure ) Chart Co (Carbon monoxide ) levels against Sample Variations Figure 4.
7 Results of emission tests with E20 bioethanol mixture As for the mixture from Pertalite Total 500 ml pertalite pure then you can get it The results of Co .
arbon monoxide ) 3.
8% Hc ( Hydrocarbon ) 1,600 .
and Co2 ( carbon monoxid.
dioxide ) 11.
5% and O 2 ( oxygen ) 1.
Following Test Results Table Using Gas Analyzer.
Sample .
Co2% Meaning CO Level Graph (%) Chart show that CO levels experienced decline along increasing percentage mixture bioethanol from E5 to E20.
1,200
E10
E15
Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X Highest CO value found in E0 of 8%, whereas mark lowest found in E20 is 0.
Decline CO levels indicate that burning become more perfect , because bioethanol contain oxygen that helps the oxidation process carbon This is show that addition bioethanol influential positive in lower toxic gas emissions CO.
Graph of Hc (Hydrocarbo.
levels against sample variations Meaning COCC Level Graph (%) COCC graph shows improvement COCC levels along with increase level bioethanol in mixture material burn .
COCC values increase from 12.
2% at E5 5% at E20.
The increase in COCC is indicator increasing burning perfect , because carbon in material burn more Lots oxidized to COCC compared to CO.
This matter strengthen results CO and HC graph showing trend decline .
With Thus , the increase in COCC is proportional backwards with harmful gas emissions Meaning HC Content Graph .
HC graph shows trend decline significant from E0 to E20.
Highest HC value occurs at E0 of 1,600 ppm, whereas mark lowest occurs at E20 at 550 ppm.
Decline HC levels indicate decrease material burn that is not burnt perfect inside room burn .
This matter caused by nature easy bioethanol evaporate and have number octane high , so that the combustion process become more stable and even With Thus , the addition bioethanol capable increase quality burning Chart O 2 ( oxygen ) levels against sample Meaning OCC Level Graph (%) OCC improvement OCC levels in exhaust gas from E0 to E20.
OCC value increases from 1.
2% at E0 to 3.
8% at E20.
Graph of CO 2 .
arbon dioxid.
levels Jurnal Reaksi (Journal of Science and Technolog.
Jurusan Teknik Kimia Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe Vol.
24 No.
June 2026 ISSN 1693-248X An increase in OCC indicates existence excess oxygen in waste gas combustion , which indicates the combustion process ongoing more efficient .
Contents oxygen natural in availability oxygen during burning Condition This support more burning clean and reduce harmful gas emissions Based on the conclusions drawn, it is recommended that future studies analyze engine performance parameters such as torque, power, and fuel consumption, optimize the bioethanol production process, and conduct emission testing under various engine operating conditions using more accurate testing equipment.
BIBLIOGRAPHY