Optimization of biodiesel production from mixed waste cooking and pongamia oils using the Entropy-VIKOR method

The primary goal of this research is to synthesize biodiesel from a mixture of pongamia oil and waste cooking oil (WCO) and to optimize various process parameters using the Entropy-VIKOR approach. The design of experiments was conducted with the help of MiniTab to evaluate optimal process conditions. Data were collected for optimization, considering four input parameters and three response factors. Biodiesel yield, density, and viscosity were taken as response factors, while reaction temperature, reaction duration, catalyst concentration, and the methanol-to-oil ratio were considered as input parameters. Numerical simulations and practical results demonstrate the feasibility of applying the Entropy-VIKOR, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, for optimizing biodiesel production parameters. A 100 ml oil sample containing 50% WCO and 50% pongamia oil achieved a maximum yield of 97.75% at a 4:1 molar ratio, 0.5% catalyst by weight, a reaction time of 40 min, and a reaction temperature of 35 °C. All the fuel characteristics, such as kinematic viscosity and density, meet ASTM and EN standards.