Gasohol,
a mixture of 90% unleaded gasoline and 10% ethyl alcohol (ethanol), has gained acceptance
as a fuel for motor vehicles. It is
comparable in performance to 100% unleaded gasoline with the added benefit of
superior antiknock properties (no premature fuel ignition). No engine
modifications are needed for the use of gasohol.
Since
corn is the most abundant United States grain crop, it is predominately used in
producing ethanol. However, the fuel can be made from other organic raw materials,
such as oats, barley, wheat, milo, sugar beets, or sugar cane. Potatoes, and cassava
(a starchy plant) and cellulose (if broken up into fermentable sugars) are
possible other sources. The corn starch is processed through grinding and
cooking. The process requires the conversion of a starch into a sugar, which in
turn is converted into alcohol by reaction with yeast. The alcohol is distilled
and any water is removed until it is 200 proof (100% alcohol).
One
acre of corn yields 250 gallons (946 liters) of ethanol; an acre of sugar beets
yields 350 gallons (1,325 liters), while an acre of sugar can produce 630
gallons (2,385 liters). In the future, motor fuel could be produced almost
exclusively from garbage, but currently its conversion remains an expensive
process. (The Handy Science Answer Book, compiled by the Science and Technology
department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh)