REUTILIZAÇÃO DE ÓLEO RESIDUAL DE FRITURA PARA PRODUÇÃO DE VELAS AROMATIZADAS

REUSE OF RESIDUAL FRYING OIL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SCENTED CANDLES

Abstract

In terms of solid waste, residual frying oil (RFO) represents one of the biggest concerns for its high polluting power. With the intent of environmental preservation, this study shows an experimental design that allows the reuse of RFO to obtain ecological candles composed of vegetable waxes and citronella essence. Furthermore, this work contemplated divulging the results and propagation of the preparation methodology to high school students, teacher training, and recyclers association. Macroscopic properties and burning tests allowed the selection of the best candle composition, which was described as 57% vegetal soy wax, 38 % of RFO, and 5% w/w of citronella essence. The 100 g candles showed burning time greater than 27 h, obtainment at an estimated cost of R$ 1.00, and projected profit close to R$ 39.00.