Aluminum potassium sulfate is a chemical compound that comes in either white crystal or powder form. This compound has several synonyms, including alum, potash alum, kalinite, white alum and potassium alum dodecahydrate. Aluminum potassium sulfate has several uses in various industries, food preparation and water purification.
Water Purification
Flocculation is the process where large particles known as colloids come out of suspension in the form of flocs, flakes or clusters. Aluminum potassium sulfate is considered a flocculant, and water-purification processes commonly add this compound to raw water causing colloids and other suspended particles to stick together and form heavier particles. The water purification process then removes these heavier particles through sedimentation or filtration. This flocculation process helps remove contaminants such as fine solid pollutants or microscopic molecules from water since you cannot remove many of these particles through filtration alone.
Astringent and Antiseptic
Aluminum potassium sulfate is also an astringent that holds antiseptic properties. Because of this antiseptic quality, some manufacturers use this compound in natural deodorants to inhibit the growth of the bacteria responsible for body odor. However, the use of this compound as a deodorant will not prevent perspiration. Additionally, some manufacturers use this compound in after-shave products to reduce bleeding in minor cuts and abrasions caused by the shaving process.
Medicinal Use
Aluminum potassium sulfate also has a wide range of uses in medicine. Many vaccines, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B and DTaP, contain this compound to help your body develop a stronger immunological response to the vaccine. You can also apply aluminum potassium sulfate to cuts to prevent or treat infection. Herbal doctors also commonly recommend this compound as a home remedy to treat canker sores. In traditional medicine, doctors use this compound both topically and internally.
Other Uses
Aluminum potassium sulfate can also function as a preservative to maintain fruit and vegetable crispness. Additionally, this compound has several veterinary applications, and pet owners commonly use aluminum potassium sulfate to treat bleeding associated with animal injuries caused by improper nail clipping. You can also find this compound in some brands of toothpaste or tooth powder. Further, this compound is used in films and papers as a hardener for photographic emulsions.
Member Comments