Project Abstract

Abstract
Soap production is an essential industry that has been in existence for centuries. Traditionally, soaps have been made from animal fats, but with the increasing demand for plant-based products, there has been a shift towards producing soaps from vegetable oils. This research project focuses on the production of soap from blended vegetable oils, specifically investigating the properties and quality of the soap produced. The project aims to explore the feasibility of using a blend of different vegetable oils in soap production and to determine the optimal blend ratio for producing high-quality soap. Various vegetable oils such as palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil are commonly used in soap making due to their unique fatty acid profiles and beneficial properties for skin care. The research methodology involves the saponification process, where the vegetable oils are mixed with a caustic solution to form soap. The properties of the soap, including its lather, cleansing ability, hardness, and moisturizing properties, will be analyzed and compared with traditional animal fat-based soaps. In addition to studying the physical properties of the soap, the project also aims to evaluate the sensory aspects such as fragrance, color, and texture to ensure consumer acceptance and satisfaction. The environmental impact of using vegetable oils in soap production will also be assessed, considering factors such as sustainability, biodegradability, and resource efficiency. Through this research project, valuable insights into the production of soap from blended vegetable oils can be gained, leading to the development of high-quality, environmentally friendly products that cater to the growing demand for plant-based and sustainable alternatives. The findings of this study can benefit soap manufacturers, consumers, and the environment by promoting the use of vegetable oils in soap production and reducing the reliance on animal fats. Overall, this research project contributes to the advancement of the soap industry by exploring innovative approaches to soap production that align with current consumer preferences and environmental concerns. By utilizing blended vegetable oils in soap making, it is possible to create a range of unique and high-quality products that meet the needs of a diverse market while promoting sustainability and eco-conscious practices.

Project Overview

1.0: INTRODUCTION

Soap may be defined as a chemical compound or mixture of chemical compounds resulting from the interaction of fatty acids or fatty glycerides with a metal radical (or organic base). Soap may also be described as any water-soluble salt of those fatty acids which contain eight or more carbon atoms. The metals commonly used in soap making are sodium and potassium, which produce water-soluble soaps that are used for laundry and cleaning purposes (Kuntom et al. 1994). The qualities of soap are determined by the amount and composition of the component fatty acids in the starting oil. Blends of oils can be used in both the hot and cold soap production methods. Vegetable oil blends could be obtained by mixing different vegetable oils such as the mixture of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, groundnut oil and shea butter in different proportions. Kuntom et al. (1996), produced soaps of desirable quality by blending various fatty acids of palm oil (PO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) and the quality of the soap produced is comparable to the quality of commercially available soaps.

This research work involves using various blends of Neem Oil, Castor Oil and palm kernel oil (PKO) to prepare soap and analyzing the soaps so produced.

1.1: RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENTS

The production of quality soaps at cheaper rate has been a hitch to many soap producers in Nigeria; this has led to the production of soaps with poor qualities and high cost of production. Blending various vegetable oils of different qualities and prices for soap production could go a long way in the production of quality soaps for laundry, bathing and general cleaning purposes, still at minimized cost of production.

1.2: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this research work is to study the quality of soap produced from blended vegetable oils. The objectives of this work are:

·         To produce soap that can be used on both hard and soft water.

·         To produce soap of high quality that can be used for both bathing and laundry.

·         To investigate the properties of soap produced from blends of oils.

·         To produce soap of high cleaning action that also lathers well in water.

·         To produce soap at a cheaper rate from blends of cheap vegetable oils.

1.3: JUSTIFICATION

Blends of vegetable oils is essentially good in the production of quality and cheap multipurpose soaps that are firm to touch, with high cleaning action and formation of excellent lather in both hard and soft waters.

1.4: SCOPE OF RESEARCH WORK

The scope of this work covers the procurement of various vegetable oils and other essential soap materials from various Markets in Zaria, using the materials in carrying out the research and testing / analyzing the results obtained. This work will embrace quality and cost effectiveness.

1.5: LIMITATIONS

Unavailability of blender specially designed for soap production to intermix the lye and fat so that trace stage can be reached in minutes instead of hours.