Evaporating spray characteristics of a diesel-ethanol micro-emulsion

•The emulsion sprays are studied under realistic in-cylinder conditions (50 bar and 900 K).•The emulsion consists of 60% diesel, 20% ethanol and 20% (JME) (40% renewable content).•Liquid penetration, vapour penetration and spray spread angle of the emulsion match with diesel.•This qualifies the emulsion for use in an existing diesel engine without any modifications.