What is Saponification? How It Works and Why It Matters in Cleaning
Ever wondered what saponification is? In this video, Dr. Adam explains the science behind this chemical reaction where fats and oils react with an alkali to form soap and glycerol – and how ancient soap-making methods have evolved into precise chemical processes used today.
He’ll explain how factors like fatty esters, alkaline bases (e.g., sodium or potassium hydroxide), and the chain length of carboxylates affect the properties of soaps—hard, soft, or smooth. Dr. Adam will also discuss how saponification plays a critical role in electronics cleaning by breaking down manufacturing residues like fluxes, making them easier to remove. You’ll also discover how switching to a slightly alkaline solution can enhance cleaning performance when pH-neutral options fall short.