Omar Khalid
When making soap, it is important to choose the right container for mixing and storing the ingredients. While plastic utensils and containers are commonly used, not all plastics are suitable for soap making. Polypropylene (PP) plastic, identified by the recycling code #5, is a safe option for making soap as it is resistant to alkali and can withstand high temperatures. Other types of plastic, such as PET, PC, nylon, PS#6, and ABS, should be avoided when working with lye solutions or raw soap batter as they can dissolve and melt. Therefore, PP plastic does not dissolve when making soap, but it is crucial to select the appropriate type of plastic to ensure a safe and successful soap-making process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | PP #5 (Polypropylene) |
| Plastic properties | Resistant to alkali, can withstand boiling water, resistant to most things |
| Other plastic types to avoid | PET, PC, nylon, PS#6, ABS |
| Other materials to avoid | Teflon, aluminum, copper and their alloys, iron, tin, glass, stainless steel mixed with other metals |
| Plastic utensils | Plastic pitchers, plastic containers |
| Plastic safety | PP #5 is lye-resistant and can withstand hot water |
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What You'll Learn
PP plastic is resistant to most things
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene. PP plastic is resistant to most things, including water vapour, grease, and gases. It is also able to recover after impact. It is a white, mechanically rugged material with a high chemical resistance. It is also reasonably economical.
PP plastic is resistant to alkali and can withstand boiling water. It is also lye-resistant. It is important to note that not all plastics are safe for soap-making. For instance, plastic utensils and containers are regularly used in soap-making, but only hard, sturdy plastics like PP#5 (polypropylene) are recommended. Other types of plastic (like PET, PC, nylon, PS#6 or ABS) should never be used when working with lye solution or raw soap batter.
PP plastic is also resistant to fatigue. Its melting point occurs in a range, so the melting point is determined by finding the highest temperature of a differential scanning calorimetry chart. Perfectly isotactic PP has a melting point of 171 °C (340 °F). Commercial isotactic PP has a melting point that ranges from 160 to 166 °C (320 to 331 °F), depending on atactic material and crystallinity. Syndiotactic PP with a crystallinity of 30% has a melting point of 130 °C (266 °F). Below 0 °C, PP becomes brittle.
PP plastic is also known for its durability, water and chemical resistance, and low price. It is used in many different fields, such as packaging production, household appliances, automobile components, and textiles. It is also used in the production of stationery folders, packaging, and storage boxes. The wide colour range, durability, low cost, and resistance to dirt make it ideal as a protective cover for papers and other materials.
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PP plastic is resistant to alkali
When making soap, it is important to choose the right containers and utensils. Soap makers should avoid materials that can react with lye (sodium hydroxide) solutions, soap batter, fragrance oils, and essential oils. Lye, for instance, reacts with and should not come in contact with aluminium, glass, and certain types of plastic.
PP plastic, also known as polypropylene, is a safe material to use when making soap. It is a hard, sturdy plastic that is resistant to lye and can withstand hot water. It is also resistant to alkali. PP plastic is marked with the plastic code #5, which can be found at the bottom of the container. This type of plastic can take high heat and is sturdy. It is also resistant to non-oxidizing acids and bases, fats, and most organic solvents. Its melting point is 160°C (320°F), and it becomes brittle below 0°C.
PP plastic is a good choice for soap-making because it is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with the ingredients commonly used in soap-making. It is also affordable, versatile, lightweight, and durable. These characteristics make it a popular choice for containers, bottles, and storage items.
However, it is important to note that not all plastics are safe to use when making soap. Some types of plastic, such as PET, PC, nylon, PS#6, and ABS, should be avoided when working with lye solutions or raw soap batter. These plastics can dissolve or melt when exposed to certain chemicals.
In summary, PP plastic is a safe and recommended option for soap-making due to its resistance to alkali and other chemicals commonly used in the process. Its durability and affordability make it a convenient choice for soap makers.
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PP plastic can withstand hot water
When making soap, it is crucial to select the appropriate containers and utensils, as certain materials can react with the ingredients, leading to undesirable outcomes. Plastic utensils and containers are commonly used in soap-making, and among the various types of plastic, a recommendation is to use hard, sturdy plastic like PP#5 (Polypropylene).
PP plastic is known for its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. It has a melting point of around 160°C, which is significantly higher than the boiling point of water (100°C). This means that PP plastic can withstand hot water without melting or dissolving. It is also resistant to alkali and can withstand boiling water without breaking down.
The inert nature of polypropylene makes it a safe choice for use in soap-making. It does not react with or dissolve in water, ensuring that it will not contaminate the soap mixture. Additionally, PP plastic is biocompatible, meaning that even if small pieces were to break off and end up in the soap, it would not pose a toxic threat.
When selecting containers for soap-making, it is advisable to choose those with the plastic code #5, indicating they are made from polypropylene. These containers can handle high heat and are sturdy, making them ideal for the soap-making process. PP plastic is also resistant to most chemicals, including soaps, further highlighting its suitability for use in soap-making.
In summary, PP plastic's ability to withstand hot water is well-established, and its use in soap-making is supported by its durability, heat resistance, and inert nature. Its resistance to alkali and boiling water, coupled with its biocompatibility, make it a safe and practical choice for soap makers.
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PP plastic is safe for mixing lye
When making soap, it is important to choose the right containers and utensils for mixing. Sodium hydroxide, or lye, can react with certain materials, such as aluminium, by destroying or melting them. Lye should also not be mixed in glass containers, as it will etch the glass and cause it to weaken and break over time.
PP plastic, or polypropylene, is a type of plastic that is safe to use when mixing lye. It is important to check that the plastic has "PP #5" on it, as this indicates that it is made from polypropylene. PP #5 plastic is resistant to alkali and can withstand boiling water, making it a safe option for mixing lye. Other types of plastic, such as PET, PC, nylon, PS #6, and ABS, should be avoided when working with lye, as they can be dissolved or damaged by it.
In addition to PP plastic, stainless steel is also a safe option for mixing lye. It is important to ensure that the stainless steel is not mixed with other metals, such as aluminium, as this can cause a reaction. For measuring and blending fragrance and essential oils, glass containers can be used, but these should be avoided for mixing lye solutions.
Overall, PP #5 plastic is a safe and sturdy option for mixing lye when making soap, as it is resistant to alkali and high temperatures. By choosing the right containers and utensils, soap makers can avoid potential dangers and create their products safely and effectively.
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Other plastics to use for soap-making
When making soap, it is important to use the right containers and utensils. Lye, a common ingredient in soap, is a strong alkali that can react with and destroy or melt certain materials, including aluminium, Teflon, copper and their alloys, iron, tin, and plastic foams.
Glass containers, including Pyrex, should also be avoided when preparing or storing lye solutions as the lye will react with the glass silicates, weakening the glass over time.
For this reason, it is recommended to use hard, sturdy plastics like PP #5 (polypropylene) when making soap. PP #5 is resistant to alkali and can withstand boiling water, making it a safe choice for mixing lye. Other plastics that can be used include:
- HDPE #2 (High-Density Polyethylene): This plastic is safe for use with lye solutions up to temperatures of 190°F (87.8°C). It is important to allow the lye solution to cool before pouring it into an HDPE container.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is resistant to ethanol and isopropanol, but prolonged exposure may cause crazing or stiffening. PVC pipes can be used as soap moulds, but it is recommended to line them with freezer paper and plastic wrap to make it easier to remove the soap once it has hardened.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE is resistant to most things, similar to HDPE.
While not a plastic, it is worth noting that silicone is a popular choice for soap moulds due to its durability, flexibility, and ease of use. Silicone moulds are more expensive than plastic or acrylic moulds but will last longer and are less likely to crack or break.
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Frequently asked questions
No, PP plastic does not dissolve when making soap. PP plastic, or polypropylene, is resistant to most things, including alkali, and can withstand hot water. It is a recommended material for making soap.
Plastics like PET, PC, nylon, PS#6, and ABS should be avoided when working with lye solutions or raw soap batter. Undiluted scent oils can also dissolve and melt plastic.
Containers made of PP plastic (#5) or HDPE plastic (#2) are best for mixing lye solutions. These plastics have excellent resistance to lye and can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel containers can also be used, as long as they are not mixed with other metals.
Glass containers should not be used for mixing or storing lye solutions. Lye will react with glass silicates, contaminating the solution and weakening the glass, which can easily break.
Materials such as Teflon, aluminum, copper and its alloys, iron, tin, and plastic foams should be avoided when making soap. These materials can react with lye, causing them to be destroyed or melted.
