Aluminum sulfate CAS: 10043-01-3
Catalog Number | XD93293 |
Product Name | Aluminum sulfate |
CAS | 10043-01-3 |
Molecular Formula | Al2O12S3 |
Molecular Weight | 342.15 |
Storage Details | Ambient |
Product Specification
Appearance | White powder |
Assay | 99% min |
Aluminum sulfate, also known as alum, is a chemical compound with the formula Al2(SO4)3. It is commonly used in various industries and applications due to its versatile properties. Here is a description of its uses in about 300 words.One of the primary uses of aluminum sulfate is in water treatment. It is widely employed as a coagulant in the purification of drinking water and wastewater treatment. When added to water, aluminum sulfate forms positively charged particles that bind with negatively charged particles, such as dirt, impurities, and organic matter. This process allows the particles to clump together and settle, making it easier to remove them from the water. It helps remove turbidity, suspended solids, and some harmful microorganisms, thus improving the overall quality and safety of the water.Aluminum sulfate is also utilized in the paper and pulp industry. It acts as a sizing agent, which improves the strength, printability, and water resistance of paper products. By interacting with the cellulose fibers in the paper, aluminum sulfate creates a gel-like substance that fills the gaps between the fibers, creating a more compact structure. This results in better paper formation and reduces ink absorption, leading to sharper prints and vibrant colors.Additionally, aluminum sulfate finds applications in the textile industry. It is used as a mordant, which helps fix dyes to fabrics and enhances their colorfastness. When aluminum sulfate is applied to textiles, it forms a chemical bond between the dye molecules and the fabric fibers. This bond ensures that the colors remain vibrant and do not fade or wash out easily. Aluminum sulfate is particularly effective for natural fibers like cotton and silk.Furthermore, aluminum sulfate is employed in the construction industry as a soil stabilizer and pH adjuster. It is added to construction sites or roadways to improve the compaction and stability of the soil. Additionally, aluminum sulfate can modify the pH level of the soil, making it more suitable for plants and preventing excessive acidity.In horticulture, aluminum sulfate is used as a soil acidifier to lower the pH of the soil. Some plants, like azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries, thrive in acidic soils. By adding aluminum sulfate to the soil, gardeners can create an optimal environment for these acid-loving plants to grow and flourish.In summary, aluminum sulfate has various applications in water treatment, paper and pulp industry, textile industry, construction, and horticulture. Whether it is used as a coagulant in water purification, a sizing agent in paper manufacturing, a mordant in dyeing textiles, a stabilizer in construction, or a soil acidifier in horticulture, aluminum sulfate proves to be a versatile and valuable compound for multiple industries.