BLOG

BS 1715-2.4: Methods for Determination of Free Fatty Acid Content

Determination of Free Fatty Acids Content

BS 1715-2.4: Methods for Determination of Free Fatty Acid Content

Fatty acids and free fatty acyl acids are non-volatile aliphatic monocarboxylic compounds that can be identified as soap base and are important components of fats. The quality of soap, the most common personal cleaning product, depends on the composition of saponified fatty acids.

Importance of Free Fatty Acids

Soaps are usually produced by reacting fats and alkaline substances. However, these chemical reactions may not take place completely and free fatty acids may remain in the soap. The amount of these free fatty acids directly affects the quality of the soap. Below are some of the consequences of high free fatty acids:

  • Salinization and Hardness Problems: High free fatty acid content can cause the soap to be harder and unstable.
  • Odor and Roughness: It can cause the soap to have unpleasant odors and leave a rough feeling on the skin.
  • Acidic and Alkaline Balance: Free fatty acids can affect the pH level of the soap, which can impair its interaction with the skin during use.

An excess of free fatty acids can lead to poor quality soap, which can lead to consumer dissatisfaction and health problems. It is therefore very important for soap manufacturers to monitor the amount of free fatty acids in their soaps.

Scope and Importance of BS 1715-2.4

BS 1715-2.4 covers a range of analytical methods for the measurement of free fatty acids in soaps. This standard provides reliable methods that can be used in both laboratory testing and industrial production processes.

The standard covers the following elements:

  1. Sample Preparation: Soap samples must be properly prepared and appropriate solubilities must be ensured.
  2. Titration Method: Titration methods are generally used for the determination of free fatty acids in soaps. This method determines the amount of acidic components.
  3. Chemical Reagents: The chemicals used during analysis (e.g., potassium hydroxide) affect the accuracy of the titration and should be selected appropriately.
  4. Evaluation of Results: The data obtained from the titration is used to calculate the amount of free fatty acids in the soap.

The free fatty acid content of alkali metal soaps can be determined by the analysis carried out within the scope of “BS 1715-2.4 Method for determining free fatty acid content” standards. The test results can be expressed as “Free fatty acid content or acid value”. The method of BS 1715-2.4 standard is not applicable in the presence of ethanolamine soaps.

In short, the method of BS 1715-2.4 can be expressed as a titrimetric method in which the results are expressed as either free fatty acid content or acid value.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Determination of Free Fatty Acids Content. We also provide services in Soap Analysis.

Contact us for more information.

You can follow us on LinkedIn for up-to-date news and shares about our services.

Follow our Instagram account to be informed about our latest blog posts.

7324