Extraction and characterization of biodiesel from waste cooking oil: An investigative approach based on the number of times used

Abstract

In the era of rising atmospheric pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, environmentally sustainable energy sources are essential. This study seeks to address this challenge by examining the potential of biofuels, namely biodiesel derived from discarded waste cooking oil. The primary objective was to employ substantial quantities of wasted cooking oil, often generated by households and companies, in order to produce a biodiesel substitute that has a diminished environmental footprint in comparison to conventional diesel fuel. The procedure involved the synthesis of biodiesel through the transesterification of waste cooking oil samples, utilizing Methyl alcohol (CH₃OH) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a catalyst. The collected biodiesel samples were analyzed for important parameters, such as kinematic viscosity, flash point, and density. The kinematic viscosity values for the 10th, 20th, and 30th samples were 5.59 centistokes, 5.46 centistokes, and 4.91 centistokes, respectively. The flash points were determined to be 164.4 °C, 165.4 °C, and 148.4 °C, with densities of 0.8889 g/cc, 0.8891 g/cc, and 0.8891 g/cc, respectively.   This study conducts a comprehensive examination and comparison of the characteristics of several biodiesel samples to ascertain the most advantageous choice. Moreover, a comparative assessment is carried out to determine the environmental benefits of the biofuel produced, as compared to conventional diesel. The findings offer crucial perspectives for the discourse on sustainable energy sources, emphasizing the potential of utilizing waste cooking oil-derived biodiesel as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. By transforming waste cooking oil into biodiesel and carefully assessing its properties during synthesis, this research takes an innovative method.