# Investigation of the Influence of Process Parameters on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Oil-Based Composites

## TL;DR

This study explores how different process parameters affect the properties of composites made from waste cooking oil, aiming to create eco-friendly materials.

## Contribution

The study introduces new insights into optimizing oil-based composites using waste cooking oil and various catalysts.

## Key findings

- Composites with sulfuric(VI) acid and hydrogen peroxide showed the highest compressive and bending strengths.
- Glycolic acid-modified composites exhibited the lowest water absorption at 3%.
- Curing conditions significantly influence the mechanical behavior and porosity of the composites.

## Abstract

The increasing consumption of edible oils has resulted in a parallel rise in waste cooking oil (WCO), a harmful waste stream but one that also represents a promising raw material. In this study, oil-based binders were synthesised from WCO using various reagents: Sulfuric(VI) acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, zinc acetate, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and their selected mixtures. The manufacturing process was optimised, and the composites were evaluated for physicochemical and mechanical properties, including compressive strength, bending strength, and water absorption. The best performance was observed for composites catalysed with a mixture of sulfuric(VI) acid and 20% hydrogen peroxide, cured at 240 °C, yielding compressive and bending strengths of 5.20 MPa and 1.34 MPa, respectively. Under modified curing conditions, a compressive strength of 5.70 MPa and a bending strength of 0.75 MPa were obtained. The composite modified with glycolic acid showed the lowest water absorption (3%). These findings demonstrate how catalyst type and curing parameters influence composite structure, porosity, and mechanical behaviour. The study provides new insights into the process–structure–property relationships in oil-based materials and supports the development of environmentally friendly composites from waste feedstocks.