Jet engines can't tell coconut-blend fuel from jet fuel -- but the

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University report a coconut oil-derived aviation fuel that can be blended with conventional Jet A-1 without a major hit to engine performance. In tests using a small turbojet engine, the new blends maintained thermal efficiency comparable to standard aviation fuel while reducing hydrocarbon emissions. The work targets a potentially local feedstock: discarded or substandard coconuts that fail to meet commercial appearance or quality standards, especially in Southeast Asia. The fuel is produced via a co-solvent method using coconut oil extracts plus acetone and an alcohol, operating at ambient temperature and pressure. Two ester types—FAME made with methanol and FAEE made with ethanol—were evaluated in various proportions with Jet A-1.