Thermophysical and chemical characterization of Mentha Pulegium essential oil-ethanol mixtures

Abstract

Essential oils isolated from biomass are valuable natural resources with diverse applications. Mentha Pulegium Linnaeus essential oil is particularly attractive due to its high pulegone content. Ethanol, a bio-based oxygenated additive, enhances combustion efficiency and engine performance while reducing emissions. Studying the thermophysical properties of their binary mixtures is pivotal for sustainable technologies. In the present work, we investigate the chemical profile and thermophysical characteristics of M. Pulegium essential oil mixed with ethanol. The chemical composition was identified using GC-MS with a DB-5MS column. New experimental data for density (ρ), dynamic and kinematic viscosities (ɳ, µ), and refractive index (nD) were obtained at 293.15 - 303.15 K and 0.1 MPa. Specific heat capacity (Cp) was measured between 253.15 K to 298.15 K. Excess volume (VE), deviations in dynamic viscosity (Δɳ), and refractive index deviations (ΔnD) were correlated using the Redlich-Kister equation to interpret intermolecular forces.