Recycling used cooking oil into a biobased epoxide by experimental design using R

Abstract

This study investigates the optimisation of epoxidizing used cooking oil (UCO) using in-situ generated performic acid (PFA), applying a full factorial experimental design and statistical analysis in R. Key process variables included the molar ratios of C=C to hydrogen peroxide and formic acid, reaction temperature (40–60°C), and time (3–5 hours). The optimal conditions C=C:H₂O₂:HCOOH ratio of 1:2.7:0.8, 60°C, and 3 h yielded an oxirane oxygen content (OOC) of 84.2% with 96.3% selectivity. A kinetic study under these conditions revealed a pseudo-first-order reaction, with an activation energy of approximately 14.7 kcal·mol−1. These findings highlight the potential for substituting fresh oil with UCO in industrial epoxide production, promoting resource efficiency and sustainability