Second-generation biodiesel in Brazil: an analysis of research on animal fats through social and complex networks

Abstract

The production of second-generation biodiesel is seen as more sustainable than first-generation biodiesel as it is produced from residues such as animal fats, a by-product of the meat industry. In Brazil, the biodiesel sector has become the main market for animal fats, absorbing around 712 thousand tons in 2018, equivalent to 38% of the fat produced. In order to reach this level, research and development were carried out supported by the Brazilian government through the Brazilian Biodiesel Technology and Innovation Network. The objective of this study is to map the scientific networks formed by Brazilian organizations that have collaborated to solve research problems regarding animal fats for biodiesel production through Social Networks Analysis and The Theory of Complex Networks. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted in the main collection of Web of Science (WoS). It was observed that research started in 2008 and involved more than 80 institutions. The institutional network formed was of a small-world type, composed of 20 clusters. The research was indexed in 19 knowledge areas, with an emphasis on Chemistry, Energy and Fuels, and Engineering and 70% of them received some type of funding to conduct the research.