Catalytic Epoxidation of Oleic Acid Derived from Waste Cooking Oil by In Situ Peracids

Owing to the increasing demand for eco-friendly epoxides derived from vegetable oils, much effort has been made regarding the epoxidation of palm oil in recent years. The aim of this study is to produce epoxidized waste cooking oil (EWCO)-based palm oil. EWCO was produced by using in situ formed performic acid. Based on the findings, the optimized process parameter for formic acid to waste cooking oil (WCO) molar ratio, hydrogen peroxide to WCO molar ratio, and catalyst loading are 2:1, 2:1, and 1 g, respectively. The highest relative conversion to oxirane percentage is 68%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra also proved the formation of epoxidized WCO through the existence of the epoxides functional group. A mathematical model was developed by using the numerical integration the fourth order-Runge method. The findings indicated that the simulation and experimental data agreed well, thus validating the kinetic model.