This work is an attempt to determine the quality and standard of the chosen test detergent product in our market. Two samples of detergent power were used and blue OMO detergent powder. Tempo detergent is produced by PZ = Plc while OMO is produced by unilever Plc. The first stage of the analysis entailed a qualitative examination to ascertain firstly whether the detergent is soap base or composed of surfactant.

Secondly, to know if composed of surfactant, the kind of surfactant, nonionic, cationic. From the result both detergents are surfactant based (cationic) that the PH is alkaline base substance. In the identification were present in the two test detergent but Nitrogen was absent.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title pages

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of content

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Statement of problem

1.2 Aim and objective

1.3 Hypothesis

1.4 Limitation of study

1.5 Significance of study

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature review

2.1 Brief history

2.2 Mode of action

2.3 Properties of detergent

2.4 Difference between soap and detergent

2.5 Comparative table between soap and detergent

2.6 Classification of detergent

2.7 Uses and importance of detergent

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Chemical reagent

3.1 Materials

3.2 Methodology

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Result

4.1 Discussion

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion

5.1 Recommendation

REFERENCE

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Detergent is a substance used to enhance the cleaning action of water. It also acts as an emulsifier, i.e. by bridging the water and oil phases, it breaks the oil into tiny droplets suspended in water.

The disruption of the oil film allows the dirt particles to become solubilized. Detergent is a compound, or mixture of compounds intended to assist cleaning. Synthetic detergents have similar molecular structures and properties as soap. Although, the cleaning action is similar, the detergents do not react as readily with hard water ions of calcium and magnesium. Detergent molecular structures consist of a long hydrocarbon chain and a water-soluble ionic group. Most detergents have a negative ionic group and are called anionic detergents.

The majority are alkysulfates, others are surfactants (from surface active agents) which are generally known as alkyl benzene sulfonates. As a surfactant, a detergent decreases the surface tension of water to help it penetrate oil.

Soap, the sodium salt of long chain fatty acids, is a good detergent although it has some disadvantages e.g., it forms insoluble compounds with certain salts found in hard water thus, diminishing its effectiveness.

1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Detergent as defined earlier is a cleaning agent. They have a wide variety of uses depending on their composition. Some are germicidal and antiseptic in action; some are soaps and have cleaning activity while others are softeners, brighteners, bleaches, stain removers etc.

The high demand for these detergent products has consequently made consumers to be concerned with the quality of detergents being sold in the markets.

There are so many detergent products being sold in the market. More than 50 detergent products are in the market by various companies. There is need therefore to monitor, the quality and composition of these detergent products. This will check the standard of the product being produced by these companies as well as guided the consumers to get value for their money.

1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVE

This project work is aimed at finding out quality and standard of the chosen test detergents, OMO and tempo detergents sold in Enugu metropolis, being the leading detergent used by consumers in Enugu metropolis.

This project work will also find out the type of surfactant present in these detergents. This will enable us know whether they are biode gradable and therefore environmentally friendly. Other parameters such as acidity test, PH value will be determined.

1.3 HYPOTHESIS