Soap Production Method

2.1.2 Methods of Soap Production

Soap production methods upgraded when two scientific findings were made in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In 1790, the French chemist Nicolas Leblanc (1742-1806) designed a process for producing caustic soda (Sodium hydroxide) from common table salt (Sodium chloride). His invention made low-priced soap manufacture possible by aiding chemists to develop a procedure whereby natural fats and oils can react with caustic soda. The method was advanced when another French chemist, Michel Eugene Chevreul (1786-1889), revealed the nature of the fats and oils as soap production became less expensive and attitudes towards public health and hygiene changed, soap making became a significant industry.

The characteristics of this soap depend on the quality of oil, and the amounts of the caustic soda and water used. The speed of the reaction between the oil and the caustic soda is influenced by free fatty acid content of the oil, the heat of the components before mixing, and how vigorously the mixing is to be done. Free fatty acid contents, vigorous mixing, and heat, speed up the given soap-making process. An example of oil that can be used in the soap making process is neem oil (Mishra, 2013)

2.2 Neem Oil

Neem tree is a type of mahogany, an evergreen tropical to subtropical tree that can grow to heights ranging from 15.24 m to 19.812 m. It is noted for its drought resistance (it thrives in areas with sub-arid to sub-humid conditions). It can grow in areas with annual rainfall values below 25.4 mm, with a source of water from existing ground water levels. In severe drought, it sheds most or nearly all of its leaves.

Neem seed cake (residue of neem seeds after oil extraction) when used for soil amendment or added to soil, not only supplements the soil with organic matter but also lowers nitrogen losses by hindering nitrification. It also works as a nematicide. (Organeem Limited Liability Company,

Bark and roots in powdered form are also used to control fleas and ticks on pets. The seed is very important both because of its high lipid content and for the fact that neem oil is extracted from the seed. Neem kernel oil is similar to the normal glycerides from other oilseeds and contains oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic acids. It is brownish yellow, non-drying oil with a bitter taste and unpleasant odour.

The quality of the oil differs with the method of processing. In the method of cold pressing, it is seen that the purest form of neem oil is obtained along with the presence of active compounds. The oil extracted using cold press method seems to be lighter in colour as well as odour when compared with other methods.

Scientific studies have shown Neem to have properties that are: Antiviral – inhibits the growth of viruses, Anti-fungal – inhibits the evolution of fungi, Antibacterial – destroying the growth of bacteria, Analgesic – providing pain relief, Anti-inflammatory – reduce certain signs of inflammation, swelling or tenderness, Antimicrobial – destroying the development of