| Abstract: | Degradation of a jet fuel (JP-5) derived from petroleum and manufactured by the Chinese Petroleum Corporation in Taiwan was determined using various methods. Fuel degradation was monitored in the presence of the following compounds: phenol, 2,6-dimethylphenol, thiophenol, 2-methylpyridine, copper powder and mixtures of some of these compounds both at room temperature and at 80°C. The extent of light scattering and the amount of copper drawn into JP-5 from added copper powder are correlated with the extent of deposit formation due to degradation of the fuel. Copper promotes deterioration of JP-5 because of Cu(II) complex formation. Electron spin resonance and cyclic voltammetric measurements confirm the presence of Cu(II). |
