Production of Soap Using Locally Available Alkaline Extract from Millet Stalk: A Study on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soap

Abstract: Millet stalks where used to extract alkaline using traditional method. The alkaline extract was used in the preparation of soap using traditional method. The resulting soap was subjected to physicochemical test. Saponification value (171 mg/KOH/g), iodine value (41.2g/100g), acid value (1.46mg/KOH), ash content (9.2%), colour (white), texture (hard and rough). This implies that the white colour of soap is as a result of bleaching of the oil sample and also the soap is hard due to the presence of high concentration of k+ ions in the prepared soap, emulsification test (observed), foam test (form lightly with moderate persistence), foam height (1.8cm). Reactions with metals NaCl, KCl and NH4Cl (form white ppt) but soluble in water, Ca2+, fe2+, mg2+ form (white gelatineous ppt) and form insoluble complex with water. Reaction of soap with 1 drop of phenolphtalein gave (pink colour) and the reaction of the soap with 3M HCl gave (colourless solution) to ascertain the quality of soap produced. These properties tested showed that the soap prepared using traditional method gave a better quality soap which could b