Non Ferric Alum

Non Ferric Alum, also called Aluminum sulfate, is used in water purification and as a mordant in dyeing and printing textiles. In water purification, this Non Ferric Alum causes impurities to coagulate, which are removed as the particulate settles to the bottom of the container or more easily filtered. This process is called coagulation or flocculation. When dissolved in a large amount of neutral or slightly alkaline water, Aluminum Sulfate produces a gelatinous precipitate of Aluminum Hydroxide, Al(OH)3. In dyeing and printing cloth, the gelatinous precipitate of Non Ferric Alum helps the dye adhere to the clothing fibers by rendering the pigment insoluble. Non Ferric Alum is sometimes used to reduce the pH of garden soil, as it hydrolyzes to form the aluminum hydroxide precipitate and a dilute sulfuric acid solution. An example of what changing the pH level of soil can do to plants is visible when looking at the Hydrangea Macrophylla. The gardener can add Non Ferric Alum to the soil to reduce the pH level which in turn will result in the flowers of the Hydrangea turning a different color. In Construction industry, this Non Ferric Alum is used as a waterproofing agent and accelerator in concrete. Another use of this Non Ferric Alum is that of a foaming agent in firefighting foam. Moreover, this Non Ferric Alum is effective as a molluscicide that kills Spanish slugs.