Biodiesel Synthesis Lab Results

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Goals: 1. The central goal of Project 3 is to synthesize biodiesel from natural products such as vegetables oils and other chemicals such as solvents and bases. Being able to synthesize biodiesel will allow us to understand the fundamentals and mechanics of the different components used in the production of biofuel. 2. Once the biodiesel is synthesized, it must be tested. The importance of testing the biodiesel is to determine whether it can be used as fuel by testing different properties of the biodiesel. Safety: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as goggles, lab coats, and closed toed shoes are required before conducting the experiment. Goggles must be worn at all times as hazardous materials such as alcohols will be used. For this experiment, it may be important to wear Nitrile gloves as strong chemicals will be used. Always keep materials in designated areas such as hoods when indicated. Never remove any chemicals from the hood and avoid any type of contamination of these chemicals. Avoid spills by using the proper equipment to obtain material and be alert at all times. Always work under a fume hood when burning chemicals. Procedures…show more content…
There are three different underlying properties that need to be tested in order to determine whether the biodiesel is functional. These are: measuring the pH, determine the freezing point, and test for functionality through combustion. The pH for the biodiesel should be between 7 and 9. Freezing the biodiesel with allow us to identify some of the physical properties of the biodiesel. When the biodiesel is put in low temperatures, it is expected to become a gel-like substance. Finally, generating a combustion test with the biodiesel will determine its functionality; whether it works as a source of fuel. This test will also examine the products generated from burning the biodiesel which would be used in environmental
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