A process to convert sunflower oil into a value added branched chain oil with unique properties

•New branched-chain sunflower oil products are made from sunflower oil and zeolite catalyst.•Characterization shows that branched-chain sunflower oils were successfully made.•A distillation method is used to purify the branched-chain products.•Production cost of branched-chain products is predicted using SuperPro Designer.•Additional research is needed to increase branching in oil to make this technology economical.