Effect of biodiesel-dimethyl carbonate blends on engine performance, combustion and emission characteristics

•The minimum BSFC of 0.39678 kg/kWh has been observed for B10 + DMC as compared to all other tested biodiesel blends.•BTE and EGT have been improved for biodiesel blends with the addition of 10% DMC.•The CO and HC emissions reduced with the addition of DMC, as well as the concentration of biodiesel increased in biodiesel blends.•Addition of fuel additive escalates the NOx emission due high cetane number and high oxygen content.•DMC improved the combustion duration of the biodiesel blends.