Production and Analysis of Eco-Friendly Soap from Millet, Maize, and Guinea Corn Stalks Using Blended Oils
Ibrahim Musa
Uduma A. Uduma
Maria B. Uduma
Jamilu Mamman
Abstract
This study investigates the production of eco-friendly soap using potassium hydroxide (KOH) extracted from agricultural waste materials—specifically millet, maize, and guinea corn stalks ashes—combined with blended oils from palm kernel, hump, and beef tallow. The alkali extraction process was optimized to yield potassium-rich ash, and elemental analysis using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) revealed K₂O contents between 63.25%–68.52%. Flame photometry confirmed potassium concentrations suitable for lye production. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of oil blends identified oleic acid as the dominant fatty acid. The formulated soaps exhibited Total Fatty Matter (TFM) between 70.8–75.3%, moisture content below 5%, and strong foaming capacity (>25 mm). Antimicrobial tests demonstrated significant inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus (15 mm), Staphylococcus epidermidis (19 mm), Trichophyton rubrum (29 mm), and Candida albicans (24 mm). The study establishes agricultural residues as viable alkali sources and highlights their role in producing high-quality, sustainable soaps with promising antimicrobial properties.The combination of 150 cm3 60cm3 of palm kernel oil, 50 cm3 of hump oil, and 40cm3 of beef tallow oil was shown to be the best. This oil blend was discovered to have an iodine number of 77.96±0.72 and a saponification number of 249.57±0.78, both of which are greater than the individual values. The study highlights the viability of agricultural waste as a sustainable source of alkali and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly soap formulation with notable antimicrobial activity.
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