Aluminum Sulfate vs Potassium Alum
Comparison of Alum and Aluminum Sulfate
Alum, the chemical name is aluminum potassium sulfate; aluminum sulfate, is also a common chemical agent. There are similarities and differences between the two in use, characteristics, etc., try to analyze them in detail.
Aluminum sulfate, which is a white crystalline powder, easily soluble in water. In the industry of water purification, aluminum sulfate is often used as a flocculant. When exposed to water, aluminum sulfate is hydrolyzed to produce aluminum hydroxide colloid. This colloid has a large surface area and strong adsorption force, which can make the suspended particles in the water gather and settle, so that the water can be cleared. If the water of a river is introduced into a water purification plant and treated with aluminum sulfate, it can remove sediment and impurities, making the water suitable for drinking.
Alum, that is, potassium aluminum sulfate, is also a colorless transparent bulk crystalline or crystalline powder, odorless, slightly sweet and sour. It is also hydrolyzed in water to form an aluminum hydroxide colloid. In terms of water purification, alum and aluminum sulfate have similar effects, both of which can clarify the water quality. However, alum is not used for water purification, but in the field of food processing, it used to be used as a leavening agent and coagulant. For example, when making fritters, alum is added to make fritters swollen and brittle; in the production of soy products, alum can help soy juice solidify into tofu.
When it comes to characteristics, the aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate is acidic, and its degree of hydrolysis is relatively large. Alum, because it contains potassium ions, is slightly more stable than aluminum sulfate. Aluminum sulfate is widely used in industry. In addition to water purification, it can be used as a sizing agent in the paper industry to enhance the water resistance of paper; in the printing and dyeing industry, it can be used as a mordant to help dyes better adhere to fabrics. In addition to food and water purification, alum can be used externally as an astringent agent in the field of medicine, for wound hemostasis, astringent sores, etc.
From this perspective, although aluminum sulfate and alum have similar effects, due to differences in composition and characteristics, their uses also have their own strengths. Those who use it should carefully observe its properties and apply the appropriate materials in order to fulfill its functions and benefit the world.
Alum, the chemical name is aluminum potassium sulfate; aluminum sulfate, is also a common chemical agent. There are similarities and differences between the two in use, characteristics, etc., try to analyze them in detail.
Aluminum sulfate, which is a white crystalline powder, easily soluble in water. In the industry of water purification, aluminum sulfate is often used as a flocculant. When exposed to water, aluminum sulfate is hydrolyzed to produce aluminum hydroxide colloid. This colloid has a large surface area and strong adsorption force, which can make the suspended particles in the water gather and settle, so that the water can be cleared. If the water of a river is introduced into a water purification plant and treated with aluminum sulfate, it can remove sediment and impurities, making the water suitable for drinking.
Alum, that is, potassium aluminum sulfate, is also a colorless transparent bulk crystalline or crystalline powder, odorless, slightly sweet and sour. It is also hydrolyzed in water to form an aluminum hydroxide colloid. In terms of water purification, alum and aluminum sulfate have similar effects, both of which can clarify the water quality. However, alum is not used for water purification, but in the field of food processing, it used to be used as a leavening agent and coagulant. For example, when making fritters, alum is added to make fritters swollen and brittle; in the production of soy products, alum can help soy juice solidify into tofu.
When it comes to characteristics, the aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate is acidic, and its degree of hydrolysis is relatively large. Alum, because it contains potassium ions, is slightly more stable than aluminum sulfate. Aluminum sulfate is widely used in industry. In addition to water purification, it can be used as a sizing agent in the paper industry to enhance the water resistance of paper; in the printing and dyeing industry, it can be used as a mordant to help dyes better adhere to fabrics. In addition to food and water purification, alum can be used externally as an astringent agent in the field of medicine, for wound hemostasis, astringent sores, etc.
From this perspective, although aluminum sulfate and alum have similar effects, due to differences in composition and characteristics, their uses also have their own strengths. Those who use it should carefully observe its properties and apply the appropriate materials in order to fulfill its functions and benefit the world.

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