Properties of Fuels

In the most basic sense, the term “fuel” refers to chemicals that contain components which have the capacity to combine rapidly with oxygen in an exothermic reaction.

Most of the common fuels contain carbon and hydrogen – these two elements have the capacity to combine rapidly with oxygen in an exothermic reaction. Usually common fuels also contain some sulfur and nitrogen, which also combine with oxygen in an exothermic reaction.

Although combustion of sulfur creates heat, it is not a desirable reaction. When sulfur burns, sulfur dioxide is formed, which eventually creates corrosive acids when it combines with moisture.