Alum powder is a fine, white crystalline powder derived from aluminum sulfate compounds. It is widely used in water purification, food processing cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. Below are the general specifications for alum powder:

Types of Alum Powder:

1. Potassium Alum Powder (KAl(SO)12HO) - Used in food, water treatment, and cosmetics

2. Ammonium Alum Powder (NHAl(SO)·12HO) - Used in industrial and textile applications

3. Sodium Alum Powder (NaAl(SO)12HO)-Used in baking powder and food processing

4. Ferric Alum Powder (FeAl(SO)12HO)- Used in water treatment and paper industries

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Fine, free-flowing powder

Color: White or colorless (ferric alum may appear yellowish)

Odor: Odorless

Taste: Astringent and slightly sweet

Mesh Size: 80-200 mesh (as per requirement)

Solubility:

Fully soluble in water

Insoluble in alcohol

pH (10% Solution): 3.0 - 4.5

Chemical Composition & Purity:

AlO (Aluminum Oxide): 15-18%

SO(Sulfate Content): 50-55%

FeO (Iron Oxide) (For Non-Ferric Alum): Max 0.01%

Water Insoluble Matter: Max 0.1%

Moisture Content: Max 5%

Purity: Min 99%

Microbiological Standards (For Food & Cosmetic Grade Alum Powder):

Total Plate Count: Max 10,000 CFU/g

Yeast & Mold: Max 100 CFU/g

Coliforms: <10 CFU/g

E. Coli & Salmonella: Absent

Contaminants & Adulterants:

Heavy Metals:

Lead (Pb): <0.2 ppm

Cadmium (Cd): <0.1 ppm

Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm

Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm

Pesticide Residues: Not detected

Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent

Applications of Alum Powder:

Water Treatment: Used as a coagulant in purification processes

Food Industry: Used as a food additive (E522), in pickling, and baking powder

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in deodorants, aftershaves, and skin-tightening products

Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used as an antiseptic and astringent in medicines

Paper & Textile Industry: Used for sizing paper and as a mordant in fabric dyeing

Leather Industry: Used in tanning processes