Aluminium Sulfate
Aluminum sulfate, also known as alum, is a white crystalline substance with the chemical formula Al2(SO4)3. It is commonly used as a coagulating agent for water purification and paper production.
When dissolved in water, aluminum sulfate dissociates into its constituent ions: Al3+ and SO42-. The positively charged aluminum ions attract negatively charged particles, including suspended solids and bacteria, causing them to clump together and settle out of solution.
Aluminum sulfate is also used in the paper industry as a sizing agent, which helps control the absorption and ink penetration of paper fibers during printing. In this application, it reacts with rosin to form a compound called alum rosin, which enhances the paper's strength and durability.
In addition, aluminum sulfate is used in the production of various chemicals, such as aluminum hydroxide and sodium aluminate, which are used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fire-retardant materials.
It is important to handle aluminum sulfate with care as it can be corrosive to skin and eyes. Additionally, it may react with certain chemicals, such as bases and strong oxidizers, to produce hazardous gases. Proper protective equipment should be worn when handling this substance, and it should only be used in well-ventilated areas.