Abstract
The solvent organic fraction (SOF) of diesel particulates from a direct injection diesel engine at various speeds and loads was compared using five different methods.Thermogravimetric analysis, Soxhlet extraction, pyroprobe/gas chromatography and vacuum oven sublimation with and without a nitrogen purge were used.Whilst there was good agreement between the five methods, the thermal methods were found to consistently overestimate the SOF when compared to the Soxhlet extraction method.This was suggested as being due to the weight loss due to the volatilisation of sulphate contributing to the hydrocarbon volatilisation.The TGA method was also shown to be effective in the estimation of the contribution to the SOF of unburnt fuel and lubricating oil.24 references.