SOAPS AND DETERGENTS

SOAPS AND DETERGENTS

SoapA soap is compound of alkali and fat , used with water as a cleaning agent.

The action of alkali on fat is called saponification .

Two techniques for making soaps: (a)Cold Process : 140 g of caustic soda is dissolved in 442 g of water . The alkaline solution is gradually added to the warm molten fat with constant stirring . It is then put in ‘moulds’ and is allowed to set.

Hot Process: Steam is used to agitate andHeat the alkali ,fat and water . The lye must be added to the water . Next, the lye mixture is added to heated fat . A little brine solution is added to separate the soap and water.fragrance and colour is mixed with the molten soap before setting in ‘moulds’.

The components of soap: (a)Sodium Silicate : It is used to bind ingredients more effectively in liquid soap.

(b)Starch: Sweat ,dirt , debris and other grime would attach to starch and the fabric would be easier to clean.

(c) Salt : It is used for graining the soap.

(d) Resin : Is is used for bleaching and cleaning .

(e)Perfume: Soaps have perfume that gives fragrance to the clothes.

Properties of a Good Soap (b) It should have clear plate colour.(c) Presence of white crystals on soap indicates excess alkali .Such soaps are not good for washing fine fabric.

(a) It should be firm to touch .

Detergent It is a cleaning agent that helps to remove dirt and grease from clothes and fabrics. It is based on petrochemicals derived mineral oils and reacted with sulphuric acid.

The components of Detergent:(1) Surfactants: These are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid.(2) Foaming Agent: It helps in formation of foam.(3) Active Ingredients : These help in holding the dirt and preventing it from getting redoposited on the fabric.(4) Water Softeners: Some detergents contain ingredients that soften hard water.(5)Builders: They are the chemicals used for heavy duty washing.

Differences between soaps and detergents

DetergentsThese can be use in both in hard as well as softwater .

They dissolve freely in cold water.

They lower the surface tension of water.

Less water and effort is required.

SoapsThe action of soap is better when the water is soft. They dissolve better in hot water.

They emuslsify the the grease thus loosening grease borne dirt. More water and effort is required.

DONE BY:SAHLASANA