What are bio-based surfactants used in bitumen emulsions?5 answersBio-based surfactants used in bitumen emulsions include biopolymers, native nanoparticles, nanoparticles modified to be more hydrophobic, bio-based polymers B1 and B2, and lignins derived from kraft pulping and bioethanol industries. These surfactants are employed to stabilize bitumen-in-water emulsions with varying bitumen contents, ranging from 50% to 60%. The surfactants are crucial for emulsion preparation, affecting properties like droplet size distribution, stability over time, and interaction with aggregates in asphalt mixes. Studies have shown that these bio-based surfactants offer promising results in terms of emulsion stability and performance in cold mix asphalt applications, demonstrating potential for sustainable approaches in the asphalt industry.
How to create bioplastic from used vegetable oils?4 answersBioplastics can be created from used vegetable oils by modifying the oils to yield acrylated monomers, which can then be used in the synthesis of polymeric latexes for coating applications ^[Kolář et al.]. The modification process involves converting the vegetable oils into bio-resins through epoxidation, which results in the production of bio-based materials with oxirane groups ^[Latif et al.]. The bio-resins derived from vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, castor oil, and linseed oil, have shown promise in the commercialization of bio-resins ^[Latif et al.]. The synthesis of bioplastics from cellulose, with waste papers as the raw material, has also been explored, using chemical treatment with acetic acid and sulfuric acid ^[Ashraf]. Additionally, the reinforcement of bio-based polymers, such as starch and vegetable oil resins, with other materials has been considered to improve their mechanical properties ^[Biswas et al.]. Overall, the production of bioplastics from used vegetable oils involves modifying the oils into bio-resins or acrylated monomers, which can then be used in the synthesis of polymeric materials for various applications.
How can waste cooking oil be used to make bioplastics?5 answersWaste cooking oil can be used to make bioplastics through various processes. One approach is the synthesis of epoxides and polyols from waste oil, which can serve as renewable alternatives to petroleum-based products. Another method involves the reprogramming of Escherichia coli metabolism to efficiently utilize waste cooking oil as a carbon source for the production of medium-chain α,ω-dicarboxylic acids (MCDCAs), which are monomers of bioplastics. Additionally, the enzymatic conversion process can be employed using non-edible oil and agro-industrial wastes, with the help of lipases as biocatalysts, to produce bio-lubricants that can be used as bioplastics. These approaches offer environmentally beneficial solutions for the utilization of waste cooking oil, promoting circular economy and reducing environmental pollution.
How does the electrolysis of vegetable oil produce biolubricants?5 answersThe electrolysis of vegetable oil does not produce biolubricants according to the abstracts provided. The abstracts discuss different methods for producing biolubricants from vegetable oils, such as transesterification using a heterogeneous base catalyst, the use of vegetable oil mixtures without chemical modification, chemical modification of vegetable oils with polyols, isomerization of fatty acids using solid acid catalysts, and chemical modification methods like esterification/transesterification, estolide formation, and epoxidation. However, none of the abstracts mention the production of biolubricants through the electrolysis of vegetable oil.
What are the challenges of using biolubricants in engines?5 answersThe challenges of using biolubricants in engines include poorer low temperature properties and poor oxidative stability during usage. These challenges arise due to the chemical composition of biolubricants derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils. However, research has shown that the physicochemical properties of biolubricants can be improved through chemical modification using polyols like trimethylolpropane (TMP). This modification enhances the thermo-oxidative stability of biolubricants and improves their overall performance. Additionally, the use of nanomaterials as additives in bio-oils has been investigated to enhance the tribological and thermophysical properties of biolubricants. These advancements aim to address the challenges associated with biolubricants and improve their compatibility and performance in engines.
How is biodiesel made from used cooking oil?5 answersBiodiesel can be made from used cooking oil through a process called transesterification. In this process, the triglycerides in the oil react with methanol to produce biodiesel and glycerol as a by-product. The transesterification reaction can be catalyzed by either homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts. Homogeneous catalysts have the advantage of lower cost, shorter processing time, and higher yield of biodiesel. On the other hand, heterogeneous catalysts derived from various sources such as oil shale ash, avocado seed activated charcoal, and Nipah fruit skin ash have also been used successfully in biodiesel production from used cooking oil. The process variables for transesterification include catalyst mass, the ratio of oil to methanol, reaction time, and temperature. The resulting biodiesel can then be evaluated for properties such as density, viscosity, moisture content, and acid number.