HYBRIDIZATION OF WASTE COOKING OIL: AN INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVED FEEDSTOCK

The quest to improve the quality and conversion efficiency of waste cooking oil (WCO) as biodiesel feedstock has resulted in in creased research in recent years. Hybridization of feedstocks has been proposed as an easy way to achieve these objectives. In the current research, three samples of WCO were collected at three different restaurants just before disposal. The samples were blended in varying proportions and subjected to characterization. The outcomes of the analyses revealed that hybridization affects the density, kinematic viscosity, saponification value, a nd iodine value of the feedstock but has no influence on the acid value, cetane index, and higher heating value. The iodine value of the parent feedstocks varied between 54.4 cg/g and 67.9 cg/g while that of the hybridized samples ranged between 80.4 cg/g and 100.2 cg/g. The parent and the hybridized samples witnessed single-stage thermal decomposition at approximately 330 ⁰C while the derivative thermogravimetric degradation occurred between 350 ⁰C and 475 ⁰C. More targeted investigations are needed to explore the impact of hybridization on conversion efficiency, properties, storage, transportation, and performance of biodi esel.