Provides instructions on small-scale soap production methods. A practical introduction, with many illustrations, based on the author's experiences in Ghana.

9781780443416.000 (page 1)
9781780443416.001 (page 13)
Chapter 1: Introduction (page 13)
1.1: Brief History of Soapmaking (page 13)
1.1.1: The Development of Soapmaking in Europe (page 13)
1.1.2: The Development of Soapmaking in Ghana (page 14)
1.1.3: Large-scale Soap Production in Ghana (page 15)
1.1.4: The Role of Research Institutions in Ghana (page 15)
1.2: Definition and Properties (page 16)
1.3: Hydrolysis of Soap (page 16)
1.4: Detergent Action (page 17)
Chapter 2: Raw Materials for Soapmaking (page 18)
2.1: Fats and Oils (page 18)
2.1.1: Classification of Fats and Oils (page 18)
2.1.2: Brief Chemistry of Fats and Oils (page 19)
2.1.3: Common Oils Used in Ghana for Soapmaking (page 22)
2.2: Alkalis (page 25)
2.2.1: Caustic Soda (page 25)
2.2.2: Description of Process for Local Production (page 26)
2.2.3: Caustic Potash (page 29)
2.2.4: Description of Process for Local Production (page 30)
2.3: Other Raw Materials (page 31)
Chapter 3: The Choice of Suitable Oils and Fats for Soapmaking (page 33)
3.1: Saponification Value (page 33)
3.2: Iodine Number (page 35)
3.3: INS Factor (page 35)
3.3.1: Practical Application of INS Factor (page 36)
3.4: Lathering and Solubility Properties of Soap (page 38)
Chapter 4: Plant and Equipment for Soapmaking (page 39)
4:1: Equipment and Plant for Laundry Soap making (page 39)
4.1.1: Soap Boiling Tanks (page 39)
4.1.2: Caustic Soda Storage Tanks (page 41)
4.1.3: Soap Moulding Boxes (page 41)
4.1.4: Soap Cutting Tables (page 41)
4.1.5: Soap Stamping Machines (page 43)
4:2: Equipment and Plant for Toilet Soapmaking (page 43)
4.2.1: Mixing Machines (page 43)
4.2.2: Milling Machines (page 44)
4.2.3: Plodders (page 45)
4:3: Other Equipment and Tools (page 46)
Chapter 5: Pre-Treatment of Fats and Oils for Soapmaking (page 48)
5:1: Refining of Oils and Fats (page 48)
5.1.1: Alkali Refining (page 48)
5.1.2: Another Clarification Method (page 49)
5.1.3: Bleaching of Oils and Fats (page 50)
Chapter 6: The Process of Soapmaking (page 52)
6:1: Semi-boiling Process (page 52)
6.1.1: Processing Method (page 52)
6:2: Full-Boiling Process (page 54)
6.2.1: Saponification Process (page 55)
6.2.2: Graining Out (page 56)
6.2.3: Clear Boiling and Fitting (page 57)
6.3: Treatment of Settled Soaps (page 57)
6.3.1: Liquoring (page 58)
6.3.2: Filling (page 58)
6.3.3: Framing (page 59)
6.3.4: Drying and Stamping (page 59)
6:4: Cold Process (page 61)
Chapter 7: Small-Scale Production of Toilet Soap (page 64)
7:1: Cold Process (page 64)
7.2: Milled Toilet Soapmaking (page 65)
7.2.1: Drying of Soap Base (page 65)
7.2.2: Mixing of Perfume and Dye (page 65)
7.2.3: Milling (page 66)
7.2.4: Compressing (page 66)
7.2.5: Cutting and Stamping (page 66)
7.3: Remelted Soaps (page 66)
Chapter 8: Non-Edible Oils for Soapmaking (page 67)
8.1: Neem Oil (page 67)
8.1.1: Soapmaking Properties (page 69)
8.2: Castor Oil (page 70)
8.2.1: Soapmaking Properties (page 71)
8.3: Physic Oil (page 71)
8.3.1: Soapmaking Properties (page 71)
8:4: Process of Soapmaking (page 73)
Chapter 9: Ghana Standards Specifications for Soaps (page 75)
9:1: Filled Hard Soap Specifications (page 75)
9:2: Genuine Hard Soap Specifications (page 76)
9:3: Filled Carbolic Soap Specifications (page 76)
9:4: Toilet Soap Specifications (page 76)
9:5: Medicated Soap Specifications (page 77)
9:6: Packaging and Marking of Soaps (page 77)
Appendix 1: Some Typical Formulations for Soaps (page 79)
Appendix 2: Properties of Soaps from Different Oils/Fats (page 82)

Peter Donkor
Professor Peter Donkor, MD is the second Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.