Properties and Applications of Aluminum Hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide is a naturally occurring inorganic compound with the chemical formula Al(OH)3.

It is a white, finely crystalline powder that can have a pink or gray tint.
Aluminum oxides are a type of compound that is formed through the chemical reaction of aluminum salts with substances that are stronger than them. The industrial process for creating aluminum hydrate involves using a hydrochemical method known as the Bayer method.

Properties of aluminum hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide is a reagent that is available in four crystalline forms and as a colloidal solution, which is a gel-like substance. It is almost insoluble in water and does not burn, explode, or pose any poisonous threat. However, when heated, it decomposes into oxide and water.

In its solid form, it appears as a fine-crystalline loose powder. It can be either white or transparent, sometimes with a slight gray or pink hue. The gel-like form of aluminum hydroxide is also white.

The solid and gel forms of the aluminum hydroxide have different chemical properties. The solid form is relatively unreactive and does not interact with acids, alkalis, or other elements. However, it can produce meta-aluminates by fusing with solid alkalis or carbonates.

The gel-like substance possesses amphoteric properties, meaning it reacts with both acids and alkalis. When it reacts with acids, it forms aluminum salts of the corresponding acid, while with alkalis, it forms salts of a different type, known as aluminates. It does not react with an ammonia solution.

Applications of aluminum hydrate

Aluminum hydroxide is a commonly used compound in various industries:

• • • commonly used as a reagent to obtain pure aluminum and its derivatives, such as aluminum oxide, aluminum sulfate, and aluminum fluoride;
    • water purification coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, aluminum hydroxy chloride, and sodium aluminate are produced using aluminum hydroxide. These substances help to remove particles and contaminants from both domestic and industrial water;
    • used to produce artificial rubies for the needs of laser technology, and corundum – for air drying, purification of mineral oils, for the production of emery;
    • in medicine, it is used as a long-acting antacid and enveloping agent to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, and other GI tract diseases while also normalizing acid-base balance;
      in pharmacology, it is part of vaccines to boost the body’s immune response to the effects of an introduced infection;
    • In the chemical industry, it is commonly used as a fire retardant for polymers, silicones, rubbers, paints, and varnishes reduces their flammability, and ignition ability, and suppresses the release of smoke and toxic gases in an environmentally friendly manner;
    • used to produce toothpaste, mineral fertilizers, paper, dyes, and cryolite.

   

  Precautions for interacting with aluminum hydroxide

  Aluminum hydroxide is classified as a fourth hazard-class substance. It is considered to be fireproof and generally safe for both humans and the environment. However, care should be taken when dealing with aerosol particles in the air as they may irritate the respiratory system, skin, and mucous membranes. It is important to note that dust from this substance may also have a similar effect, so caution should be exercised accordingly.

  In workplaces where significant amounts of aluminum hydroxide dust may be generated, employees need to wear protective gear that covers their respiratory system, eyes, and skin. It is necessary to establish control over the concentration of harmful substances in the air of the working area. To achieve this, the room should be equipped with supply and exhaust ventilation, and if necessary, local aspiration suction.

  Solid aluminum hydroxide should be stored in multilayer paper bags or other containers designed for bulk products.

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