Palm methyl esters have been found suitable as a green alternative to petroleum-based solvents. Palm methyl esters, in combination with surfactants, have good cleaning properties. The surfactants remove dirtfrom a soiledsurface while themethyl estershelptodissolve the polar deposits so that they remain suspended in the solution rather than being re-deposited on clean surfaces. The detergencies of these products are better or comparable to commercial samples as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Three car care products were formulated using palm methyl esters and palmbased surfactants – tyre cleaner and shine, dashboard cleaner and shine, and engine degreaser.

Main Research: Dr Yeong Shoot Kian