Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), a compound of aluminum, oxygen, and sulfur, usually presents as a powdery, granular, or crystalline solid and is known commercially as “alum.” Tracing back its history, aluminum sulfate was present when Egyptians found it useful for dyeing textiles. Since then, dozens of other uses have broadened the scope of aluminum sulfate’s commercial use. Bell Chem, your industrial chemical supplier, wants you to recognize the importance of aluminum sulfate.

Textile Processing

One benefit of using aluminum sulfate is its versatility in the production of textiles. Here are a few examples of ways aluminum sulfate helps with textile processing:

Tanning

Animal hides transform into leather when a combination of aluminum sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, and flour are rubbed into the hide repeatedly. 

Dyeing

When water is combined with aluminum sulfate, the resulting sludge of aluminum hydroxide acts as a mordant: it causes dyes to absorb into textiles much more rapidly. As a bonus, adding aluminum sulfate during the dyeing process causes textiles to become water insoluble, or colorfast, meaning that the colors will not bleed or seep with excess washings. 

Paper Manufacturing

Aluminum sulfate removes impurities in water during pulp making. Its pH neutralizes ionic charges, aids in binding materials, and, when combined with rosin soap, changes paper absorbency to create a product more likely to absorb ink.

Safety and Filtration

Aluminum sulfate doesn’t just aid in the manufacturing of useful everyday products; it can also help make us safer. Here are a few safety uses for the chemical:

Wastewater Treatment

Aluminum sulfate’s largest use is in water treatment plants, where it acts as a flocculant. As impurities clump, they descend to the base of the container and are filtered out. 

Fire Control

Aluminum sulfate, combined with sodium bicarbonate and a foam stabilizer, produces carbon dioxide in fire extinguishing foams. 

Lawn and Garden Care

The pH of aluminum sulfate acts as a detriment to algal growth; therefore, it is often utilized in freshwater recreation areas. In commercial gardens where soil pH levels are basic, adding aluminum sulfate increases pH to levels more conducive to the growth of the majority of plants. 

Food and Drug Manufacturing

Aluminum sulfate has many uses across industries, but the ones that affect us the most day-to-day are those in the food and medical fields. Here are several examples of ways aluminum sulfate is used in food and drug manufacturing: 

Food and Beverage Industry

Water-soluble aluminum sulfate is frequently used by commercial kitchens as a thickener and emulsifier. Carbonated beverages enjoy the addition of aluminum sulfate for remineralization and clarity. As a main component of baking soda and baking powder, aluminum sulfate is renowned for its ability to leaven breads and baked goods. Aluminum sulfate, as a thickening agent, helps to curdle many types of cheese. 

Medical Field

Small abrasions and skin lacerations are quickly remedied with a styptic pencil, which is generally a form of aluminum sulfate. It also has deodorizing properties since its low pH stanches bacterial growth. In a solution, aluminum sulfate precipitates protein antigens; in turn, these antigens improve vaccine immunity. Aluminum sulfate is also an ingredient in ear drops.

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including aluminum sulfate. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.