The Department of Chemistry

Research Interests

My personal research area encompasses the study and implementation of alternative energy with a focus on biodiesel. I am also involved in local environmental monitoring.

Biodiesel matches most of the conveniences of petroleum diesel with lower emissions of pollutants. My research involves the characterization of the variable waste cooking as a feedstock for biodiesel production as well as its influence on fuel properties and emissions. The optimization and the phase separation of fuel blends are also studied as well as the production of fuel additives from biodiesel by-products. The fuels blends and additives are evaluated based on their fuel properties and emissions.  

Analysis of sediment, water and air samples are also conducted to determine the level of pollution and possible mitigation of environmentally contaminated areas.

Selected Publications

Wyse-Mason, R; Beckles, D.M. An Investigation of Restaurant Waste Oil Characteristics for Biodiesel Production in Trinidad and Tobago. Energy for Sustainable Development. 2012, 16(4), 515-519.

Murray, R; Wyse-Mason, R. Investigation of methanol-biodiesel-coconut oil ternary blends as an alternative fuel for CI engines. Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal. 2018, 21(5), 1056-1066.

Murray, R; King, G; Wyse-Mason, R. Micro-emulsification vs. transesterification: an investigation of the efficacy of methanol use in improving vegetable oil engine performance.

Biofuels. 2019, DOI: 10.1080/17597269.2019.1598316