The effect of sodium hydroxide on the properties of soap produced by the basic saponification reaction

Najmeddin Ellali; Suliman Hasen Ali; Abduraouf Alamer Mohamed; Abdulati E. Khalil

المؤلفون

Najmeddin Ellali Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zawiyah, Zawiyah, Libya
Suliman Hasen Ali Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zawia, Libya
Abduraouf Alamer Mohamed Faculty of Science, Saburatah, Sabratha University, Libya
Abdulati E. Khalil Faculty of Science, Riqdalin. Sabratha University, Libya

الكلمات المفتاحية:

Saponification process، Sodium hydroxide concentration، Olive oil-based soap، Natural soap formulation، Acidity (pH)، Soap hardness، Foam formation

الملخص

This research evaluates the NaOH concentration impact on soap physical and chemical attributes which result from saponification reactions where olive oil functions as the main fat material. This laboratory study created five different soap samples through the use of NaOH solutions with increasing concentrations (90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, and 130% of stoichiometric amount) while maintaining all other reaction parameters steady. Standardized tools and procedures were used to evaluate each sample regarding their pH levels and hardness together with their ability to foam and dissolve.

The laboratory results indicated that increasing NaOH concentration in soap solutions led to improved hardness and foam generation. Higher NaOH concentrations led to substantial pH value increases that might affect skin safety during use. The soap became more durable as base concentration increased because solubility levels decreased steadily. The experimental results showed that the best combination of soap properties occurred when using NaOH at 110% of its stoichiometric concentration.

The findings demonstrate that NaOH concentration control plays an essential role in soap quality improvement therefore this reference concentration should be utilized in olive oil-based production. This model demonstrates its capability to create natural cleaning products which are effective and safe for skin use in domestic and healthcare settings.