Thesis Abstract

                   ABSTRACT
            In this project work, the researcher analysed the properties of surface-active agents (laundry soap) to be an excellent cleanser because of its ability to remove stains from surfaces. The researcher work was based mainly on internet print out, textbooks and experimentation. Experiment was carried out using some raw materials to produce this surface-active agent (laundry soap) of which the result formed the basis of this study and determined the conclusion, which in turn informed the recommendations.

Thesis Overview

1.1         BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Soap is a universal surface-active agent and is use in many household and industries. There are many types of soap based on the method of production and the materials used. Soap can be prepared in a small scale or large scale. The small-scale process can be done either at home or laboratory following the scientific and technical process. The making of soap can be quite interesting if done with knowledge and adequate skills, which a student in a higher institution of learning should be able to accomplish.
Early attempts at soap production relied on ash production by burning various vegetable materials, as a makeshift source of alkali. For example, in Spain, the plant salsola was burned to produce an alkaline ash called barilla, this used in conjunction with locally available olive oil, offered a good quality soap which by salting-out or “graining” boiled liquor with brine allowed the soap to float to the surface leaving lye, vegetable colouring and impurities to settle out. This produced what was probably the first white hard soap.  
1.2         STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The following statements of problems are hereby formulated to assist in this research work of surface-active agents production.
1.           What raw materials are required to produce high quality laundry soap?
2.           What are the steps to follow in producing the laundry soap
3.           How can the soap produced be tested
4.           How durable is the soap produced.  

1.3         PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this research work is to produce high quality laundry soap that can be used at home by family members. The soap produce should have no unpleasant effect on skin; instead it should have a pleasant odour and scent with suiting cosmetic effect on the skin when used for washing. Soap produce under laboratory condition with the masses of the materials adequately ascertained.

1.4         SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY
The research work is significant for the following reasons:
1.           It will help to inculcate laboratory skills and techniques on the researcher, which can later help in the real work.
2.           Since chemistry is an experimental discipline, it means the science students should carryout research based on laboratory method.

1.5         SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research work is limited to laboratory scale process, which is far better than local method. However, it does not make use of industrial scale since it is not an industrial research.