Skill A: Using and Organizing Techniques, Apparatus, and Materials

Title: Saponification

Aim: To produce soap by the saponification of fatty acids.

Apparatus: Scale, Bunsen Burner, Sodium Hydroxide, Lard, six bowls,

thermometer, water, wooden spoon, ice, scented oil/extract, immersion blender,
food coloring, mold, cardboard, towels

Procedures:

1. Adjust Scale to zero ounces.

2. Pour 5.4 ounces of sodium hydroxide and place to the side.
3. Add 40 ounces of lard to the scale Crisco or all vegetable shortening into a
large bowl.
4. Place lard on a Bunsen burner to melt. It should be at least 100˚ F.
5. Retrieve new bowl and ensure the scale is set to zero ounces.
6. Measure the water in the bowl on the scale.
7. Add 13.5 ounces to water in the bowl on the scale for measurement.
8. Add the sodium hydroxide into the water and stir slowly until it is clear.
9. Measure the temperature intermittently until the temperature reaches 80˚ F.
10. Put the ice in a bowl with little water to cool down.
11. Place lard in water to cool. To be able to combine both lard and sodium
hydroxide both temperatures must be within 10˚ of one another.
12. Slowly pour sodium hydroxide into the lard mixture and stir slowly.
13. Add extract to mixture to give it fragrance.
14. Use a immersion blender to mix the mixture.
15. Check to ensure a trace is left when mixed. This shows that the blend was
evenly and thoroughly mixed.
16. Separate the mixture into three bowls.
17. Add food coloring.
18. Use immersion blender and mix each bowl.
19. Slowly pour mixture into mold, then add another layer of a separate color,
then add the last layer.
20. Set aside for 24 hours, place a cardboard on top of mold and place towels on
top of the cardboard to trap heat so that saponification takes place.
21. After 24 hours, take soap out of mold and cut into appropriate sizes.
22. Leave soap for 4 – 6 weeks to cure.