Page 106 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

ALUMINUM POTASSIUM SULFATE

Interesting Facts

• During the fifteenth second time, the pope cut
century, the Vatican off supplies of alum to
achieved control of the Great Britain. Since alum
alum industry in Europe. was an essential product in
When King Henry VIII of the dyeing of clothes, the
England quarreled with English clothing industry
Pope Clemens VII a rapidly fell into dire
century later over his circumstances.
desire to marry a

COMMON USES AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS
One of aluminum potassium sulfate’s major uses is in
the dyeing of fibers and fabrics, where it is employed as a
mordant. A mordant is a substance that reacts with a dye,
helping it attach more permanently to a fiber or fabric.
Aluminum potassium sulfate has also been used in the
paper-making industry for many centuries, where it has a
variety of applications. For example, it can be used to give
paper a tough, shiny surface or to increase the intensity of
inks, paints, and dyes used on the paper. Some water treat-
ment plants also use aluminum potassium sulfate in their
purification systems. The compound is added to water, where
it combines with colloidal particles suspended in water to
form larger clumps, which then settle out of the water. Other
uses of aluminum potassium sulfate include:
• As a food additive, used to control the acidity of the
product;

• In the manufacture of matches;
• For the waterproofing of fabrics;
• In the tanning of leather;
• In the manufacture of deodorants;
• To add hardness and toughness to cement;
• In the production of fireworks;

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS 55