Abstract: A fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. In the fuel emulsion, water is present in an amount not greater than 15% by weight, and the emulsifier is selected from a product obtained by reacting (a1) a polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof, with (a2) a polyoxyalkylene comprising linear oxyalkylene units. In the fuel emulsion, the oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound is present in a predetermined amount so as to obtain an amount of water soluble organic oxygen of from 0.1 to 5% by weight. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.

Abstract: Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber. A fuel emulsion is injected into a combustion chamber; the fuel emulsion is ignited in the combustion chamber in the presence of air; and the internal combustion engine is operated so as to reduce peak combustion temperature in the combustion chamber. The fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.

Abstract: Fuel made from an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon and polymeric surfactant, used to stabilize the emulsion, obtainable by (a) reacting (i) at least one polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) at least one polyoxylalkylene having linear oxyalkylene units, the polyoxyalkylene being linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing at least one ethylenic unsaturation; and (b) reacting the product of step (a) with (ii) at least one nitrogen compound selected from monoamines, polyamines and quaternary ammonium hydroxides. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits adhering to metal surfaces.