Soap Making Potassium Hydroxide

Description

Formula: KOH

Molar Mass: 56.11 g/mol

Appearance: White solid

Solubility: Highly soluble in water, generating a lot of heat when dissolved

pH: Creates a highly alkaline (basic) solution when mixed with water

Soap making is a fascinating process that has been practiced for centuries around the world. If you’re new to the craft, one of the most important things to understand is the role of lye in soap making. Lye is a caustic substance that is necessary for saponification, which is the chemical reaction that turns oils and fats into soap.

There are two types of lye that can be used in soap making: sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). While NaOH is used to make solid soap bars, KOH is used to make liquid soap, creamy soap, and other personal care products.
What is Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a white, odorless solid that is also known as caustic potash. It is a strong alkaline substance that is highly soluble in water, making it very easy to work with in soap making.

KOH is made by dissolving potassium carbonate in water and then adding calcium hydroxide (also known as slaked lime). The mixture is then filtered and evaporated to yield pure potassium hydroxide crystals.

Why Use Potassium Hydroxide in Soap Making?
KOH is used in soap making because it has a higher pH level than NaOH. This means that it has a stronger alkaline reaction with oils and fats, which allows it to create a more liquid, creamy soap that is perfect for personal care products.

When KOH is combined with oils and fats, it reacts to break down the chemical bonds in those molecules. The result is soap and glycerin, which are both valuable byproducts of the saponification process. While NaOH can also create soap and glycerin, the end result is a hard, solid soap that is better suited for bar soap.

How to Use Potassium Hydroxide in Soap Making
If you’re new to soap making, it’s important to understand the safety precautions that should be taken when working with lye. Make sure to wear protective gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and eye protection when handling KOH.

When making liquid soap or other personal care products, the amount of KOH needed will depend on the recipe you’re using. In general, you’ll need about 0.3 ounces of KOH for every ounce of oil used in the recipe.

To use KOH in soap making, first dissolve it in water. Once it has dissolved, add it slowly to the oils and fats you’re using, stirring continuously. Heat the mixture gently until it reaches the desired consistency.

Packing :  25 kg neutral bag, jumble bag, or IBC drum.

Storage Location:

Dry Environment: Keep it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture absorption.

Away from Acids: KOH should be stored away from acids, as it can react violently with acidic substances.

Temperature: Store at room temperature and avoid exposing it to extreme heat, which may increase the chances of reactions.