Aluminum (sulfate, or sulphate) - a brief description, fields of use

Aluminum (sulfate, or sulphate) is a complex inorganic substance. This is a white salt with a characteristic bluish tint (let's say the shade is pink). Crystal hydrate is colorless. Hygroscopic. It dissolves fairly quickly in water.

Aluminum sulfate solution is often used for water purification (coagulation impurities settle and filter out already without problems), in the processing of textiles. In a slightly alkaline medium (as in the neutral one) it forms a precipitate (gelatinous insoluble pigment) used for staining the fabric and printing.

Aluminum (sulfate, or sulphate) perfectly neutralizes soil in the garden with an overestimated pH. This property is used by gardeners, seeking re-flowering of certain types of flowers.

Aluminum (sulfate, of course) is included in a number of antiperspirants. True, the question of its negative effect on the skin is being asked more and more often. It is believed that it can, with frequent use, cause irritation and even allergies.

Aluminum sulphate (sulfate) is used in the construction industry (as an accelerator, waterproofing agent). It is quite effective in combating slugs, mollusks, insects. Moreover, aluminum sulfate can be found in complex fertilizers. Without it, it is impossible to manufacture fire extinguishers. Some cosmetic companies use this substance in the production of their products (mascara, shadows).

Sulfuric acid is included in the composition of drugs that remove irritation, which appears after the bite of insects. The action consists in the destruction of toxic substances injected by insects into the skin. Preparations are issued more often in the form of a spray, which directly affects the affected area (or areas).

In the food industry aluminum sulfate is found in a number of additives-emulsifiers (called E-520). This substance, which is both a curing agent, and a means for removing the skin from the fruit, and a substitute for yeast. They clarify the water, process lobster and crab meat. And yet - this is an excellent tool to achieve a more dense consistency when preserving vegetables.

Technical aluminum sulphate (Al2 (SO4) 3) is obtained by the reaction of sulfuric acid and aluminum hydroxide. We can observe it in crystals (plates) and in an indefinite shape pieces up to 10 kg (second or third grade), however, usually this is a uniform bulk material (crystals up to 20 mm, the highest grade).

If you inhale the vapor (dust) of this substance, cough begins, shortness of breath. Contact with eyes and skin leads to redness, itching, pain and even severe burns. Ingestion causes irritation of the stomach, accompanied by vomiting with diarrhea.

Providing first aid in case of aluminum sulfate poisoning suggests:

- washing of eyes or skin;

- exit from the poisoning area to fresh air;

- taking a glass of milk with further provocation of vomiting;

- Refer to a doctor.

Aluminum sulphate is stored in cool, dry places. The packaging must be tightly closed. Mixing with other substances is unacceptable (contact with bicarbonates, for example, is literally explosive).