What Are The Uses Of Aluminium Sulfate?

Aluminium sulfate, also known as alum, is a chemical compound with the formula Al2(SO4)3. It has numerous uses across various industries, including:

1. Water treatment: Aluminium sulfate is commonly used in water treatment plants to purify water by removing impurities such as suspended solids, organic matter, and bacteria. It works by coagulating and precipitating impurities, making them easier to remove.

2. Paper manufacturing: Aluminium sulfate is used as a sizing agent in paper manufacturing. It helps to reduce the absorbency of paper and improves its surface strength and durability.

3. Textile industry: Aluminium sulfate is used as a mordant in the textile industry. It helps to fix dyes onto fabrics, improving their colorfastness and preventing fading.

4. Wastewater treatment: Aluminium sulfate is used in wastewater treatment to remove phosphorus from wastewater. Phosphorus can cause eutrophication in bodies of water, leading to algal blooms and fish kills.

5. Tanning industry: Aluminium sulfate is used in the tanning industry as a fixing agent for leather. It helps to bond the tanning agents to the leather, making it more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

6. Food industry: Aluminium sulfate is used as a food additive to regulate acidity levels in food products. However, its use as a food additive is regulated and controlled due to potential health risks associated with high levels of aluminium consumption.

Overall, aluminium sulfate has a wide range of uses across several industries, primarily due to its ability to coagulate and precipitate impurities and fix dyes and tanning agents.