Potassium aluminium sulfate

Potassium aluminium sulfate (CAS 10043-67-1), commercially known as potassium alum and approved as E522, is an inorganic double salt used across food, water treatment, and industrial processing.

It functions primarily as a coagulant, astringent, and pH buffer, with performance characteristics that suit both regulated food-grade and heavy-duty industrial applications. In water treatment, it acts as a flocculant to aggregate particles.

This process clarifies drinking water and wastewater streams effectively. Food and beverage manufacturers use it as a firming agent and leavening component in baked goods, pickled products, and starch-based formulations.

Tanneries and leather processors apply it as a primary tanning and preserving agent. Its astringent action fixes hides without the environmental burden of chromium-based alternatives, making it a preferred choice in the industry.

In textile dyeing, it functions as a mordant to bond dyes to natural fibers, improving wash fastness and color consistency. Potassium aluminium sulfate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or as larger crystals.

Recognized grades include food-grade (FCC), USP, and technical-grade, with anhydrous and dodecahydrate forms both available commercially. Buyers typically specify grade and crystal size based on dissolution rate requirements.

The material is also available in compliance with Ph.Eur., BP, EP, and ACS standards upon request. These quality benchmarks ensure the product meets the rigorous safety and purity needs of global chemical markets.