Aluminum sulfate, also known as alum or aluminum sulphate, is a chemical compound with the formula
Al2(SO4)3. It is a white crystalline solid that is commonly used in various industries and applications.
Here are some key points about aluminum sulfate:
- Chemical Formula: The chemical formula of aluminum sulfate is Al2(SO4)3. It consists of two aluminum (Al) ions bonded with three sulfate (SO4) ions.
- Appearance: Aluminum sulfate is usually found in the form of white crystalline solid. It can also be obtained as a powder or in granular form.
- Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, which makes it convenient to use in aqueous solutions.
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Water Treatment: Aluminum sulfate is commonly used in water treatment processes to remove impurities and clarify water. It helps in the coagulation and flocculation of suspended particles, allowing them to settle and be removed.
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Paper Industry: It is used in the paper industry as a sizing agent to improve the ink absorption and paper strength.
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Textile Industry: Aluminum sulfate is employed in textile dyeing and printing processes to enhance the adherence of dyes to fabrics.
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pH Control: It can be used as a pH adjuster in various applications, such as in the production of cosmetics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
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Tanning: In the leather industry, aluminum sulfate is used as a tanning agent to help preserve and strengthen hides.
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Gardening and Soil Treatment: It can be used as a soil acidifier in gardening to lower the pH level of the soil for plants that require acidic conditions, such as azaleas and blueberries.
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Safety Considerations: Aluminum sulfate is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, it can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It is important to follow proper handling and safety guidelines when using this compound. It's worth noting that while aluminum sulfate has various industrial applications, it should not be confused with other aluminum compounds such as aluminum chloride or aluminum hydroxide, which have different properties and uses.
| Test |
Analysis |
| AL203 |
17% +/- 0.2% |
| Fe2o3 |
Less than 0.01% |
| SIO2 |
Less than 0.01% |
| Cao |
Less than 0.0002 |
| Pb |
Less than 0.0013% |
| As |
N-D |
| Hg |
N-D |
| Insoluble Matter in water |
0.1% |
| 1% solution PH |
3-3.5 |
| Dissoluble Max in Water 20 C |
600 gr/lit |
