Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Chemical Engineering

In this study, an activated carbon-supported heterogeneous catalyst was used for biodiesel production through conventional mechanical stirring and sonication. Waste vegetable oil with high free fatty acids was used as feedstock. Main factors affecting reaction extent were investigated with the assistance of full factorial design in combination with response surface methodology. Linear model with two-factor interactions was found to be very adequate to represent the experimental data in both techniques. In addition, representative samples were produced at optimum conditions and characterized according to ASTM standardswhere they were found matching these standards. Leaching and reusability tests were conducted and the catalyst was found to be leachable. Finally, a comparison was held between different techniques used

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