Sodium Aluminum Sulfate used in many
industry applications

Sodium aluminum sulfate, also known as sodium alum, is a versatile compound with numerous industrial applications due to its unique properties. Here are some of its industrial uses:

1. Food Industry: Sodium aluminum sulfate is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking powders and self-rising flour. It releases carbon dioxide gas when combined with acidic ingredients, such as cream of tartar or acidic sodium aluminum phosphate, which helps dough or batter rise during baking.
2. Water Treatment: It is employed in water treatment processes, particularly in the purification of drinking water and wastewater. Sodium aluminum sulfate can help remove impurities, such as suspended solids and phosphates, by forming insoluble aluminum hydroxide flocs that can be easily separated by sedimentation or filtration.
3. Papermaking: Sodium aluminum sulfate is used in the papermaking industry as a sizing agent to improve the water resistance and strength of paper products. It reacts with rosin-based sizing agents to form a water-insoluble aluminum soap, which enhances the paper's resistance to penetration by water and other liquids.
4. Textile Industry: Sodium aluminum sulfate is employed in textile processing as a mordant or dye-fixing agent to improve the colorfastness of dyed fabrics. It forms insoluble complexes with certain dyes, helping to fix them onto the textile fibers and prevent them from bleeding or fading during washing or exposure to light.
5. Catalysis: It serves as a catalyst or catalyst precursor in various chemical reactions, including the production of zeolites, aluminosilicates, and other specialty chemicals. Sodium aluminum sulfate is involved in the synthesis of molecular sieves and catalyst supports used in petrochemical refining, environmental remediation, and organic synthesis.
6. Construction Materials: Sodium aluminum sulfate is used in the formulation of construction materials, such as cementitious grouts and mortars, where it acts as a setting accelerator or water-reducing agent. Its addition can improve the early strength development and workability of cement-based products, facilitating faster construction and reducing curing times.