Palm–based sulphonates methyl ester (SME) and fatty alcohol ethoxylated sulphonates (FAES) are anionic surfactants, which are produced from MPOB’s pilot plant using Chemithon Technology. These two anionic surfactants were then used to produce liquid detergents, either in liquid or gel form by constructing ternary phase diagram of SME/FAES/ sodium chloride solution at 70o C. The phase changes from isotropic to liquid crystalline regions were observed via polarized film and further confirmed their optical pattern using microscope. From the phase diagram, the liquid crystalline region was selected and the composition was used to formulate stable product. Two types of dish washings were formulated, one is liquid and the other is gel given the brand name Palm Kleen Liquid Dish Wash (PKLDW) and Palm Kleen Gel Dish Wash (PKGDW) respectively (Figure 1). A hand wash was also formulated and this is given the brand name Palm Kleen Hand Wash (PKHW). PKHW are enriched with fruity flavour i.e lime, citrus and strawberry (Figure 2). The stability of the products was confirmed by conducting stability test at room temperature and 45o C for three months. The products were confirmed to be stable and the liquid crystalline structures are as shown in Figure 3. Dermal irritection assay test confirmed that the PKLDS, PKGDW and PKHW are non-irritant to the skin.

Main Research: Dr Zahariah Ismail