Author(s): Umeuzuegbu JC and Nwanekezie MN

Abstract: The art of production of local black soap in Nigeria has been an age long practice. However this crude practice is knocked by absence of aesthetics of the soap and standard method of production. This research work focused on production, characterization and improvement of local black soap by saponification of palm oil using palm bunch ash extract. The physiochemical properties of the palm oils used was characterized base on American Standards of Testing Materials (ASTM) method. The palm bunch ash was as well characterized for the physiochemical properties. The physiochemical properties of the local black soap and the improved soap were characterized. The physiochemical properties of the crude palm oil and the heat bleached palm oil respectively are: acid value 3.35, 3.42 mgKOH/g; iodine value 50.2, 51.8 mgI2/100 g; peroxide value 2.75, 2.95 mEq/Kg: saponification value 203.20, 201.6 mgKOH/g; density 0.889, 0.882 Kg/m3; moisture content 1.80, 2.0%; Kinematic viscosity 47.50, 46.20 mm2/s; refractive index 1.465, 1.470. The characteristics of palm bunch ash was evaluated as follows, ash content 4.54%, alkaline content 14.02%, pH 12.02. Comparative analysis of physiochemical properties of the local black soap and the improved soap respectively gave: colour black, light brown; texture rough, smooth and soft; moisture content 9.10, 9.40%; pH 9.10, 9.50; total fatty matter 65.35, 69.50%; total caustic alkali 0.25, 0.21%; free caustic alkali 0.22, 0.22%; free carbonate alkali 0.12, 0.11%; Foamability 50 cm3, 60 cm3; foam stability 20, 30minutes. The results from this work revealed that palm bunch ash extract provides sufficient alkali for saponification of palm oil to produce soap. Based on TFM, TCA and moisture content of the soaps produced, they qualified as quality soap which could serve as toilet soap.

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