Aluminium Sulphate Alum Rock

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Aluminum Sulphate Alum Rock, commonly referred to as simply Aluminum Sulphate or Alum Rock, is a white crystalline solid widely used across various industries. It is primarily known for its strong coagulating properties, making it essential in water purification, wastewater treatment, and paper manufacturing. When dissolved in water, it reacts to form aluminum hydroxide, which binds with impurities and suspended particles, facilitating their removal. In addition, alum rock finds applications in dyeing, tanning, and as a mordant in textile industries. It has astringent and antiseptic properties, making it useful in cosmetics and personal care products such as deodorants and styptic pencils. Its cost-effectiveness and multifunctionality make it a staple chemical in environmental, industrial, and consumer sectors.

Description

Primary Uses

Water Treatment

  • Used as a coagulant and flocculant to purify drinking water and treat wastewater by aggregating suspended solids and impurities for easier filtration.

  • Removes turbidity, color, and microorganisms from water supplies ensuring safe potable water.

Paper Industry

  • Employed in paper manufacturing to control the pH and improve the sizing, brightness, and strength of paper products.

  • Helps in fixing dyes and pigments during the paper-making process.

Textile Industry

  • Functions as a mordant in dyeing to fix dyes on fabrics, enhancing color fastness and vibrancy.

  • Used in the tanning process for leather manufacturing.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Utilized in deodorants and styptic pencils for its astringent and antiseptic properties.

  • Sometimes included in aftershave products to reduce irritation.

 

Secondary Uses 

Gardening & Agriculture

  • Applied to adjust soil pH and as a fertilizer additive supplying aluminum and sulfate ions.

  • Used in some herbicides and fungicides formulations.

Fire Retardants

  • Occasionally used in fireproofing mixtures due to its water-releasing properties upon heating.

Food Processing

  • Occasionally used as a firming agent and acidity regulator in some food products, although less common today due to regulatory limits.

Construction

  • Added to cement mixtures to improve setting times and reduce bleeding.

 

PRODUCT KEY ATTRIBUTES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Aluminum sulfate

  • Common/Trade Names: Aluminum Sulphate, Alum Rock, Papermaker’s Alum

  • CAS Number: 10043-01-3

  • HS Code: 2833.11.00

  • Molecular Formula: Alâ‚‚(SOâ‚„)₃·nHâ‚‚O (typically hexahydrate form)

  • Synonyms: Alum, Papermaker’s Alum, Alums

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: White crystalline solid or granular powder

  • Color & Odor: White, odorless

  • Melting Point: Decomposes at 770°C (loses water and breaks down)

  • Boiling Point: N/A (decomposes before boiling)

  • Density: ~1.62 g/cm³ (hexahydrate)

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol and organic solvents

  • pH Level: Acidic solution (~3 when dissolved in water)

  • Vapor Pressure: Negligible

  • Flash Point: Non-flammable

  • Autoignition Temperature: N/A

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Classified as irritant; causes skin and eye irritation

  • NFPA Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0

  • Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL = 10 mg/m³ (total dust), ACGIH TLV = 2 mg/m³ (respirable dust)

  • Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; reacts with strong bases and generates heat when dissolved in water

  • Incompatibilities: Strong bases, alkalis, and strong reducing agents

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials

  • Container Type: Sealed plastic or coated metal drums or bags

  • Shelf Life: Typically 2-3 years if kept dry and sealed

  • Special Handling: Avoid dust inhalation and contact with skin and eyes; use PPE (gloves, goggles, dust mask)

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Regulatory Status: Approved for use in water treatment and various industrial applications; food use regulated

  • Transportation: Not classified as hazardous for transport under most regulations

  • Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local environmental and safety regulations

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations; care must be taken to avoid environmental contamination

  • Persistence: Breaks down in environment to release sulfate and aluminum ions

  • Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or OSHA

Biodegradability: Inorganic compound, not biodegradable but undergoes natural dissociation

SAFETY HANDLING
  • PPE: Use gloves, dust masks, and eye protection to prevent irritation and inhalation of dust.

  • Handling: Minimize dust generation; work in well-ventilated areas.

  • Storage: Keep containers tightly closed and dry; avoid moisture contact.

  • Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use.

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur.

  • Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops.

  • Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation persists.

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do NOT induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention.

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; does not support combustion but may decompose at very high temperatures.

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚ for surrounding fires.

  • Special Precautions: No specific hazardous decomposition products expected under fire conditions.

Firefighters: Use standard protective gear