Potassium Aluminium Sulfate, Potassium Alum, Potash Alum, Alum Potassium, Kalinite, E522, 7784-24-9

Potassium Aluminium Sulfate, Potassium Alum, Potash Alum, Alum Potassium, Kalinite, E522, 7784-24-9

1. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

2. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (PURITY CRITERIA - Typical Analysis)

3. STORAGE AND HANDLING RECOMMENDATIONS

• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep containers tightly closed. Protect from moisture and excessive heat (above 40°C).

• Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong alkalis, wet/corrosive metals (steel, aluminum).

• Shelf Life: Minimum 24 months in the original, unopened packaging under specified storage conditions.

• Transportation: Not classified as hazardous for transport according to regulatory standards.

4. TYPICAL APPLICATION AREAS

1. Water Treatment: Used as a flocculant (coagulant) and sedimentation agent in potable water and wastewater treatment.

2. Food Industry (E522): Used as a firming agent in cheese making, pickles, and canned goods, and as an acid regulator in baking powders.

3. Paper Industry: Paper sizing and wastewater treatment.

4. Textile Industry: Mordant (dye fixative) in dyeing and finishing processes, waterproofing, and flame retardant finishes.

5. Leather Industry: Tanning auxiliary (especially for white furs).

6. Cosmetics / Personal Care: Shaving creams, styptic pencils, natural deodorant stones (alternative to ammonium alum).

7. Laboratory / Education: Crystal growing experiments.

Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a product quality specification. For health, safety, and environmental information, please consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). For specific suitability for your intended use, please contact the manufacturer or supplier.

1. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS AND SAMPLE RECIPES

A. Food Industry (E522)

Potassium alum is primarily used as a firming agent and stabilizer.

• Pickling and Canning (Crispness Agent):

  • Recipe: When making cucumber pickles, add 0.5 – 1 gram of potassium alum per liter of brine to keep the cucumbers crunchy for months. (Note: Due to potential gastrointestinal irritation at higher doses, calcium chloride is now more commonly preferred commercially.)

• Cheese Making (Acidity Regulator):

  • Recipe: In white cheese (feta-type) production, adding 1 teaspoon (approx. 3–4 g) to 5 liters of milk results in a firmer, more durable curd.

B. Cosmetics and Personal Care

The most widespread uses are natural deodorant stones and post-shave styptic pencils.

• Natural Deodorant Spray (Formulation):

  • Phase A (Water): 90 g

  • Phase B (Active): 6 g Potassium Alum (powder)

  • Phase C (Humectant/Fragrance): 3 g Vegetable Glycerin, 1 g Essential oil (optional)

  • Method: Dissolve the alum in water, add glycerin and optional fragrance, and pour into a spray bottle.

• Aftershave Styptic Pencil:

  • Sold directly as a pure, compressed white solid. When wetted and applied to a small cut, it constricts blood vessels and stops bleeding almost instantly.

C. Textile and Dyeing (Mordant - Dye Fixative)

Used in natural dyeing of animal and plant fibers (wool, cotton, linen) to improve color fastness and brightness.

• Wool Mordanting Recipe:

  • Weight of Fiber (WOF): 10–20% Alum.

  • Calculation: 10–20 grams of Potassium Alum per 100 grams of dry wool.

  • Process: Dissolve alum in hot water, add the pre-wetted wool, and simmer (below boiling) for about 1 hour. This ensures bright, lightfast, and washfast colors.

D. Water Treatment (Flocculation)

Used to remove turbidity by causing suspended particles to clump together and settle.

• Basic Flocculation Recipe:

  • Dosage: 10–30 mg/L (equivalent to 10–30 grams per 1 ton of water).

  • Process: Alum hydrolyzes in water to form aluminum hydroxide flocs. Effective treatment requires the water pH to be between 6.5 and 8.0. Adjust pH with lime or soda ash if necessary.

E. Flame Retardant (Impregnation)

Used in combination with borax to impart flame-retardant properties to wood, cardboard, or textiles.

• Flame Retardant Solution for Wood/Fabric:

  • Formula: 10% Potassium Alum + 15% Borax + 75% Water.

  • Process: Dip the material in the solution or brush it on, then allow it to dry. When exposed to heat, it releases its water of crystallization and melts, forming a protective barrier.

2. ALTERNATIVES AND SUBSTITUTES

Choosing the correct substitute depends on the specific industry and desired outcome.

3. GLOBAL AND REGIONAL OTHER NAMES

The substance is known by various names commercially and traditionally around the world.

• Common English:

  • Potassium Alum

  • Potash Alum (most common commercial name)

  • Alum Potassium

  • Kalinite (mineral form)

• European Languages:

  • German: Kalialaun, Alumen

  • French: Alun de potassium

  • Spanish: Alumbre de potasio

  • Italian: Allume di potassio

• Asian and Middle Eastern Languages:

  • Arabic: الشب (Al-Shabb)

  • Hindi: फिटकरी (Phitkari) — widely used in households across India

  • Indonesian/Malay: Tawas

  • Chinese: 明矾 (Míngfán)

  • Japanese: 焼きミョウバン (Yaki Myōban - burnt alum)

• Historical/Archaic:

  • Alumen (Roman era)

  • Roche alum