© 2021 JETIR August 2021, Volume 8, Issue 8 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)
JETIR2108075 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org a571
Making of Soap Using Various Oils
Madhu Yadav & * Monika Tyagi, Sourobhi Datta, Richa Yadav
Department of Chemistry,
Monad University
NH-24, Delhi Hapur Road
UP India
Corresponding Author
Dr Monika Tyagi
Associate Professor,
Monad University
NH-24, Delhi Hapur Road
UP India
Abstract
Soaps are the sodium salts or potassium salts of stearic acids or any other fatty acids. They are prepared by the
saponification process, which is, reacting the oil which contain triglycerides with caustic soda (NaOH) to give the soap.
However different oils have different composition of fatty acids which are responsible for different properties of soaps
made out of them. In the present work 5 different types of oils are taken. They are blended in various ratios to prepare 14
different samples of soap. Different properties of these samples were analyzed to see which soap is the best one. The
cleansing and lathering properties of all samples were compared. The blend of coconut oil and castor oil at 3:1 ratio is
found out to be the best with 76.8% of TFM and 89.46% of yield. The best blend is analyzed for various properties and
they were compared with that given in the literature. The saponification values, iodine values of coconut oil and castor oil
were found out and these values were also found for the blend. It was found that the blend was having SAP value of 230.4
and iodine value of 40 which are higher than the individual values. Thus, soap prepared using blend of both these oils has
better properties than the soaps prepared by individual oils.
Keywords: Fatty Acid, physiochemical composition, Various oil
Introduction
A soap is a salt of a compound, known as a fatty acid. A soap molecule has a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic
acid group on one end, which has ionic bond with metal ion, usually sodium or potassium. The hydrocarbon end is nonpolar
which is highly soluble in non-polar substances and the ionic end is soluble in water. The structure of the soap molecule is
represented below:
The cleaning action of soaps because of their ability to emulsify or disperse water-insoluble materials and hold them in the
suspension of water. This ability is seen from the molecular structure of soaps. When soap is added to water that contains
oil or other water-insoluble materials, the soap or detergent molecules surround the oil droplets. The oil is, dissolved in the
alkyl groups of the soap molecules while the ionic end allows it to be dissolved in water. As a result, the oil droplets are to
be dispersed throughout the water and can be washed away.
Several things affect the soap-making process and the quality of this soap produced. The characteristics of this soap depend
on the quality of oil, and the amounts of the caustic soda and water used to make it. The speed of the reaction between the
oil and the caustic soda is influenced by free fatty acid content of the oil, the heat of the components before mixing, and
how vigorously the mixing is to be done. Free fatty acid contents, vigorous mixing, and heat speed up the given soap-
making process.
Experimental
10 g of the oil was measured into a plastic container. It was warmed in order to quicken the reaction between the alkali and
the fat. A calculated amount of NaOH was weighed and a fixed amount of distilled water was added to it to prepare a 0.2
N NaOH solution. The caustic soda was stirred well using a stirring rod until it blends with the fat. The caustic soda was
poured very gradually into it and stirred gently in one direction to enhance thorough mixing of the solution. The plastic
container was insulated with pieces of cloths to prevent the fat from hardening before the soap mix properly. Small amount
of sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate and sodium silicate were added into the soap mixture and it was stirred properly
until it blends. The heating is done to 1100 C in a heating tub. Sodium sulphate is added during the soap is clarified but in
the molten stage. It helps in the binding of the soap chemicals and it induces the foaming ability of the soap. It is equally a
binder and an extender.