Aluminium Oxide Extra Pure
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Aluminium Oxide Extra Pure is a high-purity, white, odorless crystalline powder widely used in laboratory applications for its chemical stability, hardness, and high melting point. It serves as a reliable reagent in inorganic synthesis, a polishing and grinding medium in sample preparation, and a support material for catalysts in chemical reactions. This form of alumina is also used in adsorption studies, ceramic research, and as a desiccant in controlled drying processes. Its extra pure grade ensures minimal contamination, making it suitable for sensitive analytical work and high-precision experiments. For optimal performance, it should be stored in a dry, tightly sealed container to prevent moisture absorption and maintain its physical integrity.
USES
Primary Uses
- Reagent in Inorganic and Solid-State Chemistry
- Serves as a chemically inert material in high-temperature reactions and ceramic/glass synthesis.
- Crucible or Support Material
- Used to line or fill crucibles and reaction vessels in labs involving thermal processing or calcination.
- Calibration Standard for Instrumentation
- Used as a known standard in techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) or thermal analysis (TGA/DSC).
- Study of Refractory and Thermal Stability
- Ideal for experiments involving material stability at elevated temperatures or oxidative environments.
- Base Material in Synthesis of Advanced Materials
- Utilized in forming composites, nanomaterials, or metal oxide frameworks in research labs.
Secondary Uses
- Filler in Laboratory Formulations
- Used as an inert, high-density filler in research on resins, polymers, and high-performance coatings.
- Polishing Agent for Sample Preparation
- Employed in fine abrasive processes to polish metallographic or optical samples.
- Model Compound in Surface Science
- Investigated in studies on adsorption, catalysis, or surface modification due to its defined surface properties.
- Educational Demonstrations of Ceramic Properties
- Used to illustrate the characteristics of ceramics such as hardness, thermal resistance, and chemical inertness.
- Environmental Chemistry Studies
- Acts as a non-reactive matrix in simulations of soil absorption, contaminant diffusion, or material interaction.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Aluminium Oxide
- CAS Number: 1344-28-1
- HS Code: 28182000 (Aluminium oxide, excluding artificial corundum)
- Molecular Formula: Al₂O₃
- Synonyms:
- Alumina
- Aluminium(III) oxide
- Al₂O₃
- Corundum (natural crystalline form)
- Activated alumina (if treated for high surface area)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (fine powder or granules)
- Color & Odor: White or off-white powder; odorless
- Boiling Point: ~2,977°C
- Melting Point: ~2,072°C
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~3.95–4.0 g/cm³ (varies with form)
- Solubility:
- Water: Insoluble
- Acids/Bases: Reacts with strong acids and alkalis (amphoteric)
- pH Level: ~6–7.5 (in suspension – varies by preparation)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Not classified as hazardous
- May cause mechanical irritation if inhaled as dust
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
- ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (respirable fraction, as aluminium)
- Reactivity:
- Chemically stable
- Amphoteric – reacts with both acids and bases at high temperatures
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly closed containers in dry, well-ventilated areas
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong acids (e.g., hydrofluoric acid), strong bases
- Container Type:
- Glass, plastic, or HDPE containers
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- Indefinite if uncontaminated and moisture-free
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Minimize dust generation
- Use gloves, goggles, and lab coat; dust mask if airborne particles may be released
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed in TSCA, REACH, and other global inventories
- Widely used in academic, analytical, and industrial research labs
- Hazard Symbols (GHS Pictograms):
- None required
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not regulated for transport
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dispose of as non-hazardous solid waste
- If contaminated, treat accordingly under hazardous waste protocols
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Very low; inert and non-toxic in environmental concentrations
- Persistence in Environment:
- Stable and non-degradable (does not dissolve or react in natural conditions)
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability:
- Not biodegradable (inorganic, highly stable mineral)
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves.
- Use a dust mask or respirator when working with fine powder to prevent inhalation.
- Handling:
- Avoid creating or inhaling dust.
- Handle in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
- Prevent contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure.
- Use non-sparking, anti-static tools if handling large quantities.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly sealed, properly labeled container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Protect from moisture and incompatible substances such as strong acids and bases.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth during use.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the laboratory.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- Rinse mouth and nose with water if dust was inhaled.
- Seek medical advice if respiratory irritation or discomfort persists.
- Skin Contact:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
- Eye Contact:
- Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Lift eyelids occasionally during rinsing.
- Seek medical attention if irritation or blurred vision continues.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Seek medical attention if a significant amount is ingested or if symptoms develop.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical powder, water spray, foam, or carbon dioxide (CO₂), depending on the surrounding fire.
- Specific Hazards:
- Non-flammable and non-combustible.
- May release fine dust that can irritate the respiratory tract if dispersed in air during a fire.
- No significant decomposition products under normal fire conditions.
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Use full protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in case of heavy smoke or dust.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Focus on controlling the surrounding fire.
- Avoid creating airborne dust while extinguishing.
Cool nearby containers with water spray.