Abstract:
This study explores the production of biopolyols from used cooking oil using two methods: epoxidation
followed by hydroxylation, and direct one-pot hydroxylation. A factorial experimental design was set up
to optimize production conditions, enabling several types of biopolyols to be synthesized and evaluated.
Among the experiments carried out, the 8th experiment, with all factors at maximum level, was identified
as the optimum with a yield of 79.5% and the following physico-chemical characteristics: IOH= 231.010
mg KOH/g, II = 5.2525 g I2/100 g, IR = 1.4783, D = 0.9609 g/cm³, and pH = 6. The structure and
composition of the biopolyols were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In
addition, an environmental balance of 72% was achieved, underlining our commitment to green
chemistry. The biopolyols produced (the whole range) with different hydroxyl numbers can be used to
manufacture polyurethane foams with different properties and uses, as well as cleaning and surface
treatment products, demonstrating their potential to replace conventional products of fossil origin and thus
contributing to a more sustainable chemical industry.
