Biodiesel production from waste vegetable oil (Sunflower) obtained from fried chicken and plantain

Abstract

Waste sunflower oil sourced from fried chicken and plantain was used for biodiesel production in this study. During the transesterification process, 161 ml of ethanol containing 96% (v/v) was added to 250 ml of waste sunflower oil using NaOH as the catalyst at different concentrations (2.0% to 4.0%) and temperatures (45°C, 60°C, 70°C and 85°C). Biodiesel yield of 88.6% was obtained at the temperature of 70°C in 3.0% NaOH. Viscosity test at room temperature and specific gravity evaluation recorded 2.81 cm2s-1 and 0.912 Kg/m3 respectively. The high energy density obtained from waste sunflower biodiesel blend is comparable with the hydrocarbon-based fossil fuel, an indication for smooth engine runs. This means that waste sunflower oil could be a veritable material for energy production as the alternative to greenhouse issues of fossil fuel diesel blend.