Evaluation of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers as a new type of diesel additives

•Adding PODEn increases density, abrasion resistance and cold filter plugging point.•Addition of PODEn decreases viscosity and flash point.•(Diesel + PODEn) may exhibit minimum flash point behavior.•Effects of PODEn on cetane number, solidifying point, heat capacity rely on diesel.•Newly developed equations accurately predict density, viscosity and heat capacity.