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Year 12 Biodiesel Experiments

During Term 1, the Year 12 Chemistry classes worked on synthesising and analysing biodiesel fuels. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be used to replace petrodiesel in vehicles. It is produced from vegetable oil, so is considered to be a greener alternative to petrodiesel, which is sourced from crude oil.

The aim of this research was to determine how changing the type of oil used to make the biodiesel affected its resulting properties, including energy content, viscosity, and cloud point. Ideally, biodiesel will have a high energy content as well as a low viscosity and cloud point.

The task provided our students with a wonderful opportunity to get some “hands-on” experience with synthetic chemistry and apply their understanding of biofuels. Hopefully some of these students will be inspired to pursue a career in Green Chemistry!

Fiona Wallis
Chemistry Teacher

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