The reactions of soot particulates and carbons with three oxidising ag
ents expected in the exhaust gases from a diesel engine have been stud
ied. Nitrogen dioxide has been found to be an efficient gasifying agen
t for carbons, carbon oxides and nitric oxide being produced. The reac
tion with diesel particulates commences above c. 150 degrees C: with g
raphite, gasification became significant only above c. 550 degrees C.
The presence of oil on the particulates does not affect gasification.
(C) 1998 SCI.