Glycerin's Many Uses
Glycerin is the Main Byproduct of Biodiesel Production
- Glycerin contains fats, methanol, catalyst (NaOH), and other contaminants in the oil.
- Glycerin added to compost could decrease time to maturity allowing for a greater potential for profit.
- Methanol can be extracted from the glycerin.
- One of the most tested uses for glycerin on campus right now is using glycerin to make soap.
Problem with UWRF Glycerin
Glycerin is a byproduct of the production of biodiesel. The glycerin produced on the UWRF campus holds little significance and is mainly disposed of as waste. Rather than wasting this resource it can be used to produce an all natural soap. The glycerin soap made in the past has an unfriendly scent. The experiments being done will attempt to create an adapted soap recipe to improve the scent while continuing to use glycerin and other natural products to make the soap more marketable.
UWRF Objective
The main objective is to develop an adapted soap recipe to improve the product’s overall quality including its scent, appearance and texture.
Protocol
Step 1) Remove methanol from glycerin.
Step 2) Heat 5 parts of glycerin slowly.
Step 3) Add liquid glycerin to 1 part of sodium hydroxide water.
(That is at a concentration of 6 parts water 1 part NaOH – totally dissolved)
Step 4) Mix until solution is completely blended.
Step 5) Add additional fragrances at this point.*
Step 6) Pour into mold and allow to set for two weeks, allowing sodium hydroxide to fully become neutralized. Sweating may occur, wipe down and continue to store until soap is fully hardened. After pouring, spray rubbing alcohol to remove any unwanted bubbles.
*Additional steps:
Addition of oils, mints, orange peel, rosemary, lavender, cocoa butter, vanilla, coffee and food coloring.
