61ST EDITION KENYA SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR 2025

CATEGORY: CHEMISTRY

TITLE: LABORATORY PREPARATION OF SOAP

PRESENTERS: MERCY ONGAJI

WEDDY MAKENA

SCHOOL: KARAMUGI GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

SUB COUNTY: MERU SOUTH

COUNTY: THARAKA NITHI

VENUE: NJURI HIGH SCHOOL

DATE: 21. 2. 2025

 DECLARATION
We hereby declare that;
1. We are the authors of this work.
2. This work is original and has not been presented in any science fair for judging.
3. We do not have any knowledge whatsoever that making this work we break any
copyright law.
4. We hereby assign copyright of this work to Karamugi girls secondary who will be the
owner of this work and any reproduction of any form or any means is prohibited without
writteb permission from the school.

Name signature date

Presenters: Mercy Ongaji

Weddy Makena

Supervisor: Mr. Ocharo

School Principal: Madam Flora W. Karanja

 KSEF PLAGIARISM DECLARATION FORM

CATEGORY CHEMISTRY TITLE LABORATORY PREPARATION OF SOAP

REGION/COUNTY/ SUB-COUNTY/ZONE MERU SOUTH SUB COUNTY

KSEF places specific emphasis on integrity and ethical behaviour with regard to the
preparation of all written work to be submitted for Science fairs as per its rules and regulations.
Although science personnel will provide you with information regarding reference
techniques as well as ways to avoid plagiarism, you also have a responsibility to fulfill in this
regard. You are guilty of plagiarism when you extract information from a book, article or web
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also when you present someone else’s work in a somewhat amended format (paraphrase), or
even when you use someone else’s deliberation without the necessary acknowledgement. You
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Students who are guilty of plagiarism will be disqualified. In addition, the matter will be
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Declaration
1. I understand what plagiarism entails and am aware of the KSEF’s policy in this regard.
2. I declare that this project is my own, original work. Where someone else’s work
was used (whether from a printed source, the internet or any other source) due
acknowledgement was given and reference was made according to KSEF requirements.
3. I did not make use of another student’s previous work and submitted it as my own.
4. I did not allow and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of presenting it
as his or her own work.

1. Name__________________ Signature _______________ Date__________

2. Name __________________ Signature ________________ Date__________
 ABSTRACT

Soap is a widely used cleansing agent produced through the saponification process. This

project focuses on the laboratory preparation of soap using animal fat and sodium hydroxide

(NaOH). The study investigates the effectiveness of animal fat as a primary raw material for soap

production and examines the quality of the final product. The process involves heating animal

fat, adding sodium hydroxide, and purifying the resultant soap. The study includes an analysis of

yield, pH levels, and cleansing properties. The results highlight the efficiency of animal fat in

soap-making and suggest potential improvements for large-scale production.

The laboratory preparation of soap involves the saponification process, which is the

chemical reaction between animal fat and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce soap and

glycerol. This experiment aims to demonstrate the fundamental principles of soap production,

including the role of fatty acids and alkali in the reaction.

In the procedure, animal fat, commonly derived from tallow or lard, is heated to liquefy it

before being mixed with a sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction is carried out under

controlled conditions to ensure complete saponification, which results in the formation of soap

and glycerol as byproducts. The crude soap is then precipitated by adding a saturated salt

solution (NaCl), which helps separate the soap from the reaction mixture. The solidified soap is

filtered, washed to remove excess alkali, and then dried for further use.

The quality of the soap is assessed based on its texture, foaming ability, and cleansing

properties. The experiment highlights key chemical principles such as hydrolysis, ester cleavage,

and solubility. The significance of this process extends beyond the laboratory, as it serves as a

foundation for industrial soap production and the formulation of various cleaning agents.
Understanding the chemistry behind soap production allows for modifications in ingredients to

create soaps with different properties, such as moisturizing, antibacterial, or scented varieties.

This experiment provides a practical approach to understanding organic chemistry

concepts and the historical significance of soap-making in both traditional and modern

applications. The laboratory preparation of soap reinforces essential chemical techniques and the

importance of sustainability in utilizing natural fats for everyday products.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this opportunity to thank God for guiding us through this project and making it

successful. We also thank the school principal for giving us the financial support required in this

project and for allowing us to use the school laboratory. We also thank our supervisor for giving

us technical support that we needed. Finally we appreciate our fellow students and the whole

Karamugi fraternity for providing us with conducive environment for carrying out the project.

Without the above support, we could not have achieved what we have achieved today.
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Information

Soap-making dates back to ancient civilizations, where animal fats and alkaline

substances were used to create cleaning agents. The saponification process is a fundamental

chemical reaction that converts triglycerides into soap and glycerol in the presence of a strong

base such as sodium hydroxide. This process remains essential in both household and industrial

soap production, with variations in ingredients and methodologies leading to different types of

soaps.

1.2 Statement of the Problem / Originality

While commercial soap production uses synthetic ingredients, natural soap derived from

animal fat provides a biodegradable and sustainable alternative. Understanding the chemical

process in a laboratory setting enhances knowledge of organic chemistry and its practical

applications. This study focuses on the traditional method of soap preparation using readily

available materials, highlighting its advantages and limitations.

1.3 Objectives

1. To produce soap through the saponification of animal fat using sodium hydroxide and

to analyze its properties.

2. To determine the quantity of soap produced from a given sample of animal fat.

3. To compare the rate of reaction between the alkali used and the animal fat for

different concentrations of NaOH.

1.4 Justification
 This project is significant in demonstrating practical applications of chemistry in

everyday life. It also emphasizes the environmental benefits of using natural fats and reducing

reliance on synthetic detergents, which often contain harmful additives. Additionally,

understanding this process can contribute to innovations in sustainable soap production.

1.5 Limitations

The project is limited by purity of raw materials that significantly affect the efficiency of

saponification.

1.6 Assumptions

It is assumed that the reaction will proceed to completion under optimal conditions.

1.7 Precautions

Precautions include careful handling of sodium hydroxide, as it is highly caustic, and

maintaining proper ventilation during the process to avoid exposure to fumes. Proper disposal of

byproducts is also essential to minimize environmental impact.

 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

The process of soap production has been documented as early as 2800 BCE, with

evidence of Babylonian soap recipes containing animal fats and alkaline salts. Ancient Egyptians

and Romans also utilized similar techniques, refining soap recipes for both hygiene and

medicinal purposes. Over time, soap production evolved with the discovery of saponification,

formalized by Michel Eugène Chevreul in the early 19th century, which identified the reaction

mechanism between fats and alkalis.

Saponification is an ester hydrolysis reaction where triglycerides, found in animal fats,

react with a strong base such as sodium hydroxide to form soap and glycerol. This reaction

follows a two-step mechanism: first, the triglyceride undergoes cleavage, breaking down into

free fatty acids and glycerol. Then, the fatty acids react with NaOH to produce soap. This

reaction is influenced by temperature, concentration of reactants, and the presence of impurities,

all of which affect the yield and quality of the final product.

Animal fats, including tallow and lard, are the primary sources of triglycerides used in

soap production. These fats contain varying proportions of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids,

which influence soap texture, lathering ability, and cleansing properties. Sodium hydroxide acts

as the alkaline catalyst that facilitates the breakdown of triglycerides. The addition of salt (NaCl)

helps in the precipitation and hardening of soap, allowing for easy separation from the glycerol

byproduct.
 Traditional soap made from animal fat and sodium hydroxide is known for its natural

composition, biodegradability, and gentleness on the skin. In contrast, modern commercial soaps

often incorporate synthetic surfactants, preservatives, and artificial fragrances, which may

enhance performance but can pose environmental and dermatological concerns. Studies indicate

that natural soaps, while sometimes producing less lather, provide effective cleansing with fewer

chemical additives, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

The use of animal fat for soap production supports waste reduction by repurposing

byproducts from the meat industry. Additionally, homemade or small-scale soap production

reduces reliance on commercial chemicals, promoting sustainability. However, challenges such

as sourcing consistent-quality animal fat and achieving uniform saponification efficiency must be

considered. Research continues to explore alternative organic sources, such as plant-based oils,

to balance sustainability with performance.

The laboratory preparation of soap using animal fat and sodium hydroxide remains a

crucial educational experiment that reinforces fundamental chemistry concepts. By reviewing

historical, chemical, and comparative aspects of soap production, this literature review highlights

the relevance of natural soap-making in modern applications. Further research into optimizing

soap formulation can contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning

solutions.
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Materials and Apparatus

The following apparatus were used in the experiment:

 250 mL beaker (2) – for heating and mixing the solutions.

 Glass stirring rod (1) – to stir the reaction mixture.

 Thermometer (1) – to monitor the temperature during heating.

 Weighing balance (1) – to measure the precise quantities of reactants.

 Graduated cylinder (1) – to measure liquid reagents accurately.

 Filter paper (1 pack) – to filter out the soap precipitate.

 Funnel (1) – to facilitate filtration.

 200g of animal fat (raw pork fat)

 1M, 2M, 3M and 4M sodium hydroxide solution prepared accurately.

 Source of heat ( Bunsen burner)

3.2 Procedure

1. Weigh 50 g of animal fat and 10 g of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Measure 100

mL of distilled water.

2. Dissolve 40g, 80g, 120g and 160g of sodium hydroxide pellets in distilled water

respectively in different beakers while stirring carefully to avoid splashes. Label this solutions

1M, 2M, 3M and 4M NaOH respectively.

 3. Heat 50g of animal fat in a separate beaker to approximately 60°C until it is

completely liquefied.

4. Slowly add the 1M NaOH solution to the heated fat while continuously stirring

with a glass rod. Start the stop watch immediately to check on the time taken for the soap to be

formed.

5. Maintain the temperature at 70°C and stir the mixture for 30–60 minutes until a

thick, uniform paste forms.

6. Add a saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution to the mixture to precipitate the

soap.

7. Pour the mixture through filter paper using a funnel to collect the solid soap.

8. Repeat the procedures using 2M, 3M and 4M sodium hydroxide solutions.

9. Place the soap residue in the sun for half a day to dry or leave it outside overnight.

10. Test the soap’s lathering ability by washing your hands using it or dissolving a

small portion in water.

3.3 Variables

a) Independent

Concentration of NaOH used

b) Dependent

Time taken for reaction to be completed.

c) Constant Variable

Mass of the animal fat used

3.4 Observations and Data

Observations

 The mixture changed from a liquid to an opaque, thick paste during

saponification.

 Formation of white soap curds upon addition of NaCl.

 The soap solidified upon cooling and had a smooth texture.

 The time taken for the saponification process reduced as the concentration

increased.

 The optimal temperature was found to be 70°C, ensuring complete saponification

without decomposition.

 The average yield of solid soap obtained was 32–40 g per 50 g of fat used.

 The foam produced was compared with commercial soaps, showing moderate but

effective cleansing properties.

Concentration of Volume of NaOH Mass of fat melted Time taken for soap

NaOH to be formed

1.0 M 100cm3 50g 55 minutes

2.0 M 100cm3 50g 48 minutes

3.0 M 100cm3 50g 36 minutes

4.0 M 100cm3 50g 30 minutes

Table 1

Concentration of Volume of NaOH Mass of fat melted Yield of soap in

NaOH grams

1.0 M 100cm3 50g 32g

2.0 M 100cm3 50g 36g

3.0 M 100cm3 50g 42g

4.0 M 100cm3 50g 45g

Table 2

`
 CHAPTER 4

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The laboratory preparation of soap using animal fat and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a

classic example of saponification, a chemical reaction where a fat or oil (which contains

triglycerides) reacts with a strong base like sodium hydroxide to produce soap (a sodium salt of

fatty acids) and glycerol. In this experiment, animal fat (typically lard or tallow) serves as the

source of fatty acids, and sodium hydroxide acts as the base to break the ester bonds in the

triglycerides.
 Chemical Reaction:

The chemical equation for the saponification reaction is:

Fat +3NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide)→Glycerol (Glycerin)+3Soap (Sodium salts of fatty a

cids)
 The bar graph suggests that as the concentration of sodium hydroxide increases, the yield

of soap in grams also increases. This is because more concentrated sodium hydroxide leads to a

more complete saponification reaction, resulting in higher soap production. The reaction between

animal fat and sodium hydroxide is a stoichiometric process, and increasing the concentration of

NaOH ensures that more fat molecules are broken down into fatty acids, ultimately leading to

higher soap yields.

Graph 2 demonstrates the efficiency of the saponification reaction. From the graph, it is

clear that as the concentration of sodium hydroxide increases, less time is required for the

reaction to reach completion. This indicates that the process is more efficient when NaOH of

higher concentration is used, up to an optimal concentration. Beyond this, further increases in

NaOH concentration may lead to diminishing returns, as the fat becomes fully consumed. Hence

the rate of saponification reaction increases with increase in concentration.

 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

The laboratory preparation of soap using animal fat and sodium hydroxide successfully

demonstrates the process of saponification. The prepared soap exhibited desirable characteristics,

including proper cleansing ability. The yield percentage was high, indicating efficient

saponification. This experiment highlights the principles of chemical reactions, especially ester

hydrolysis, and provides valuable insights into the soap-making process.

5.2 Recommendations

1. Use of Fragrances and Additives to enhance user experience.

2. Further Testing on Different Animal Fats to analyze their effects on soap quality.
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