TFM ( Total fatty matter)

TOTAL FATTY MATTER

- TFM, or total fatty matter, is a crucial factor in determining the quality of soap and is always specified in commercial transactions. It refers to the overall quantity of fatty matter, primarily fatty acids, that can be extracted from a sample after being treated with a mineral acid, typically hydrochloric acid.

The most commonly found fatty acids in soap are oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids. For instance, pure and dry sodium oleate has a TFM of 92.8%. On the other hand, soap noodles of top-notch quality, which are increasingly being used in the production of soap tablets in small and medium-sized factories, are typically traded with a minimum TFM specification of 78% and a maximum moisture content of 14%.

However, apart from moisture, finished commercial soap, particularly laundry soap, also contains fillers that are used to reduce costs or provide specific properties. Additionally, emollients, preservatives, and other additives may be included. Consequently, the TFM of such soap can be as low as 50%. These fillers, usually in the form of dry powders, not only decrease the quality and hardness of the soap but also make it harsher on the skin and more prone to becoming mushy when exposed to water.

In some countries, soap with a minimum TFM of 75% was traditionally referred to as Grade 1, while Grade 2 had a minimum TFM of 65%, and anything below 60% was classified as Grade 3.

Thank you...