Eco-friendly Detergent Powder from Waste Cooking Oil using Cold Process: Characterisation and Comparative Evaluation

Abstract

The appropriate disposal of waste cooking oil (WCO) is an urgent environmental concern due to its potential adverse impacts. This study introduces an eco-friendly approach to synthesise detergent powder from WCO using the cold process method. The WCO underwent comprehensive sand characterisation, including pH value, viscosity measurements, and colour observation, revealing properties comparable to new cooking oil (NCO). The detergent powder produced, DWCO (from WCO) and DNCO (from NCO), was compared to a commercial detergent powder (CDP) through a comprehensive evaluation. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed characteristics of C−H bonding and O−H bonding in the samples. The detergent foam stability test indicated similar performance for DWCO and DNCO, with a volume loss of 54% and 35%, respectively, after 30 minutes. This study contributes to the sustainable management of WCO by transforming it into eco-friendly detergent powder with comparable performance to commercial alternatives. The utilisation of waste resources in detergent production offers a promising solution for responsible waste disposal and encourages the adoption of green practices in the detergent industry.