New molecular research may have found a replacement for tetraethyl lead as an octane booster in aviation fuel.
The search for a new avgas octane booster may be over, according to Aircraft Specialties Lubricants consultant, Ed Kollin. The petrochemist claims to have developed a mollecular additive which, when added to aviation fuel containing around 1gm of lead per gallon boosts the octane to a value of 110.
The new product, which could replace the 100LL tetraethyl additive has also been trialed with unleaded avgas and apparently recorded an octane value of 101. Most importantly, the new additive requires about half the lead need where 100LL is used, saving cost and reducing environmental impact.
The new technology is yet to be patented and is is only in the initial testing phase. However, Kollin is encouraged by the results and believes that, if nothing else, the additive could be used as an automotive octane booster.